Lakeside is a smaller-than-average size maintained part residential special school for 77 boys aged 11 to 16. All students enter school with a statement of special educational needs due to behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. Many have associated disabilities including autism and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).. Students are drawn from the whole of Hampshire and the school offers a residential facility for up to 18 boys. Most pupils are from White British backgrounds and almost all speak English as their first language. Almost two thirds of the students are supported by the pupil premium. This is well above the national average. Lakeside currently caters for three pupils from service families. Since September 2010, the school has been part of a federation with Grangeside School, Basingstoke, with which it shares a governing body. Students attend this school, and two local mainstream schools, for some of their lessons.