The school admits pupils of any age from three to 19 but the majority join in the early stages of their school career and continue beyond the statutory leaving age. Most experience severe learning difficulties. For many, their needs are complex and include profound and multiple difficulties, physical difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions. Almost all come from a White British background. Around one quarter of the pupils are known to be eligible for the pupil premium; this is high compared to most other schools nationally. About one third of all pupils are girls. The catchment of the school is huge and many travel a considerable distance to attend. For some their journeys can take up to an hour. A small number of pupils share their school registration with other mainstream schools so that they attend part time. Occasionally, Hexham Priory arranges for staff to work in these mainstream schools in an advisory capacity. However, there are no formal partnerships with other education providers and there is no alternative provision organised for pupils. Since the last inspection there have been some changes to the way that management works in the school within the senior and middle management teams. Hexham Priory has recently gained recognition as a National College Leadership Development School and it has renewed its Healthy School status.