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Interactive Tool

Find the Right School
for Your Child

Search and compare SEN schools across England. Filter by need, provision type, and distance. See what matters to SEN families.

Free. Private. No sign-up needed.

"Which school is right for my child?"
Every SEN family faces this question. Right now it means trawling GIAS spreadsheets, reading Ofsted PDFs, and phoning schools one by one. This tool brings together public government data so you can search, filter, and compare in minutes.
🔍 Search by postcode
🧩 Filter by SEN type
🏫 Compare side by side

About This Tool

This tool uses publicly available data from the Department for Education (GIAS, School Census, Performance Tables) under the Open Government Licence v3.0. It is a demonstration of the SEN School Comparison Tool concept. Data shown is representative and may not reflect current provision.

This is not a recommendation engine. We present data so you can decide. Always visit a school before making a decision.

Need advice? IPSEA offers free SEN legal advice. Your local SENDIASS provides impartial support.

Where are you?

We'll find schools near you.

5 miles
1 mi 10 mi 25 mi

About your child

This helps us show the right age ranges. Nothing is stored.

years old

Your child's needs

Select all that apply. This helps match schools with relevant experience.

Communication & Interaction
Cognition & Learning
Social, Emotional & Mental Health
Sensory & Physical

What type of school?

Not sure? Choose "Show me all options" and we'll display everything.

Understanding School Types

Mainstream School

Your child attends a regular school. The school gets extra funding via the EHCP to provide support. Good for children who can access the standard curriculum with some adaptations. Quality of SEN support varies between schools.

Mainstream with Resource Base / SEN Unit

A specialist base within a mainstream school. Resource base: your child spends most time in mainstream classes with some specialist support. SEN unit: your child spends most time in smaller classes within the unit. Usually for specific SEN types (e.g. ASD, SLCN).

Special School

A school only for children with SEND. Small classes (typically 6-12 pupils), specialist teachers and TAs, therapists often on site, fully adapted curriculum. Can be state-funded or independent. Usually requires an EHCP for admission.

Alternative Provision (AP)

Education outside mainstream settings, including Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). For children who can't attend mainstream, often due to exclusion, medical needs, or complex SEMH. Quality varies significantly.

Schools near you

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About This Data

School data is sourced from Get Information About Schools (GIAS) and the DfE School Census under the Open Government Licence v3.0. SEN statistics are from the 2024/25 census. Ofsted ratings and inspection dates are from GIAS. This is a demonstration with representative data — always verify directly with the school.

For free legal advice about SEN school placement: IPSEA | SENDIASS | Special Needs Jungle

Side-by-Side Comparison

Comparing selected schools

Reading This Comparison

Numbers are context, not quality. A school with 50 ASD pupils isn't necessarily better than one with 5 — it might just be the only school in the area that accepts them. Always visit before deciding. Ask about staffing, therapies, and how they handle your child's specific needs.

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