The school meets requirements on the publication of specified information on its website. Hillcrest is a community secondary special school for students aged 11 to 19 with a range of complex needs. Most students have needs relating to speech, language and communication, autistic spectrum condition, cognition and interaction, and social emotional and mental health. All students are supported by an education, health and care plan or a statement of special educational needs. The vast majority of pupils come from White British backgrounds. A much higher than average proportion of pupils come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Inspection report: Cramlington Hillcrest School, 31 January – 1 February 2017 Page 10 of 13 The school serves a wide catchment area, with most pupils coming from the Cramlington and Blyth areas. The school has recently opened new, purpose-built sixthform accommodation. Since the previous inspection, there have been significant changes in the staff at the school. A number of senior and middle leader posts have been established. A new chair and vice-chair of the governing body have taken up their responsibilities. The school is an active partner of The Dales Teaching Alliance and has links with the Percy Hedley Foundation, Sunderland University for Initial Teacher Training and Northumbria University for Occupational Therapy and Social Work.