The Birches is a large special school for pupils with a range of complex special educational needs. Almost a half of pupils have autism spectrum disorders, a small group has social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The remaining pupils have severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties including some with complex medical conditions. All have a statement of special educational needs. About two thirds of pupils are boys. The large majority of pupils are of African-Caribbean or Asian heritage with over half from homes where English is an additional language. The percentage of pupils known to be eligible for free school meals is well above average. Most pupils are drawn from central and eastern areas of Manchester and a few come from neighbouring authorities. The school provides for children at the Early Years Foundation Stage but at present numbers are very small and these children are included in classes of pupils who are at a similar development phase. The school has an outreach role to approximately 50 mainstream primary schools. The school has a number of awards including Leading Parent Partnership, Investors in People, National Healthy Schools, Silver Sing Up and various sports awards including a Manchester PE and School Sports Innovation Award.