Broadfield Specialist School caters for students with learning difficulties. The students’ special needs range from moderate to profound and often with multiple learning difficulties. Almost half have autistic spectrum conditions, often in combination with other learning difficulties. All students have a statement of special educational needs. In 2011, there was a considerable reorganisation and a redesignation of the school, with primary-aged pupils transferring to another school. Many staff and students from two other schools transferred into the school at this time. All students are now of secondary school age and a new sixth form has been created. Parents know this as the Further Education department. Currently, sixth form students are taught in temporary mobile accommodation while the sixth form block is being updated. Some of the sixth form students attend Nelson & Colne College on a Wednesday. The school works closely with the Tor View Teaching Alliance and delivers special needs outreach work to support pupils in mainstream schools. The proportion of disadvantaged students supported through the pupil premium is well above the national average. The pupil premium is additional government funding to support those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals and those who are looked after by the local authority. The school has specialist school status for special educational needs in cognition and learning.