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Finding the Right Special School in Kent: A Guide for Parents and Carers

8 July 2025

Choosing the right school for a child with special educational needs (SEN) is one of the most important decisions a parent or carer can make. If you’re based in the South East of England, you’ll be pleased to know there are many excellent special schools in Kent offering tailored support, inclusive environments, and a strong focus on individual growth.

A special school is designed specifically to meet the needs of children and young people with learning difficulties or disabilities. These schools often have specialist staff, adapted facilities, and smaller class sizes to ensure each pupil receives the support they need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

Kent is home to a diverse range of special schools that cater to a wide variety of needs, including:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Moderate to severe learning difficulties
  • Speech and language challenges
  • Physical disabilities
  • Social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs

Many of these schools work closely with local authorities and healthcare professionals to provide a truly holistic education. The county’s strong educational offering, combined with its supportive community, makes Kent a great option for families seeking specialised provision.

While there are many excellent options, a few special schools in Kent consistently receive praise for the quality of their education and pastoral care:

  1. Ifield School (Gravesend)
    Offers education for children aged 4–19 with profound, severe, and complex needs. Known for its nurturing environment and tailored curriculum.
  2. The Beacon Folkestone & The Beacon Tonbridge
    Modern, well-equipped schools focusing on autism and learning difficulties, with a strong emphasis on life skills and independence.
  3. Five Acre Wood School (Maidstone)
    One of the largest special schools in the UK, supporting a wide range of needs. It has an excellent reputation for staff development and inclusive practice.
  4. Laleham Gap School (Ramsgate)
    Specialises in supporting pupils with autism and speech, language, and communication needs. Particularly well-suited to those who benefit from structured environments.

To apply to a special school in Kent, you’ll typically go through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process via your local authority. Once your child has an EHCP, the plan will outline the type of setting best suited to their needs, and you can begin exploring schools accordingly.

The Kent County Council website provides detailed guidance on the application process, eligibility, and available support services.

Every child deserves an education that enables them to achieve their full potential. Whether your child needs a nurturing setting, structured learning, or access to specialist therapies, there is likely a special school in Kent that can meet those needs.

If you’re just beginning the journey, consider visiting schools, speaking with staff, and asking as many questions as you need. The right school can make a life-changing difference—not just for your child, but for your entire family.

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What Makes us Unique?

Stephen Gillatt

Head of People at the Community Schools Trust
Their consultants understand recruitment, they offer very competitive charge rates and excellent levels of communication.

Kwayme

Science Teacher, Essex
Pathway education found me the perfect school that gave me the progression I was looking for. I was supported every step of the way, they even helped me improve my CV.

Claire

LSA, Kent
It’s nice speaking with recruiters that have been teachers and understand education. I was able to secure an improved salary by moving from my mainstream school to a SEND school

Danny

ECT Teacher, South London
Pathway staff feel like family! It’s great to have a laugh, network and have a few drinks with their team at social events

Lisa

Office Manager, SEND school, North Kent
Pathway education provide us with high quality teaching assistants who really understand the ethos of our school and the needs of our young people

We Provide

  • Teachers for special schools, also known as alternative provision
  • Special educational needs (SEND) teaching assistants
  • SEND learning support assistants
  • Teaching assistants (mainstream)
  • Behaviour mentors (PRU’s)
  • Special school assistants

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