Willow Dene is an above average-sized primary special school for pupils with autistic spectrum disorder, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties. All pupils have a statement of special educational needs. Pupils come from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds. The largest groups are those of Black African and White British heritage. About one third come from homes where English is not the main language. The proportion of pupils eligible for the pupil premium, which is funding provided by the government for pupils who are eligible for free school meals, in local authority care or from service families, is high. The current executive headteacher joined the school in May 2011. He is also executive headteacher of two local primary schools which form a soft federation with Willow Dene. The head of school was appointed in January 2012. The senior leadership team of Willow Dene consists of the executive headteacher, the head of school, the deputy headteachers, assistant headteachers, principal administrative officer and principal premises officer. The staff who take responsibility for curriculum areas are known in the school as middle leaders. The school is an accredited centre of excellence for a national programme for the development of mobility.