This school caters for students with a range of learning difficulties. Most have severe learning difficulties and a minority have profound and multiple learning difficulties and other complex needs including autistic spectrum disorder. All students have a statement in respect of their special educational needs. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium is well above average. The school collaborates with the other special schools in the local authority through a soft federation. In September 2011 the school moved from its previous two sites to be co-located with a Catholic mainstream secondary school. Some facilities such as the dining room and parts of the grounds are shared. In Key Stage 4 and the sixth form, most students follow some courses at colleges or with training providers and attend work experience placements.