St Vincent's School - A Specialist School for Sensory Impairment and Other Needs

Pupils learn in small groups with specialist teachers and qualified learning support assistants.

“Pupils are taught in small class groups by Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (QTVIs) and are supported by experienced and qualified Learning Support Assistants.”

All pupils have an EHCP and a sensory impairment and/or other needs, with visual impairment identified as the primary special-education requirement.

“All pupils have an EHCP, and have a sensory impairment and/or other needs – this includes visual and hearing impairments. The EHCP will identify a visual impairment as the primary requirement for special education, but pupils may have, in addition, other needs.”

Mr D Swanston, the Headteacher, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection.

“The Designated Safeguarding Lead for Child Protection is: Mr D Swanston (Headteacher)”

The school commits to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare, with shared responsibility across its community and partnership work with families and other agencies.

“‘Our school is committed to safeguarding children and promoting children’s welfare and expects all staff, governors, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment and maintain a vigilant and safe environment. Everyone has a responsibility to act without delay to protect children by reporting anything that might suggest a child is being abused or neglected. It is our willingness to work safely and challenge inappropriate behaviours that underpins this commitment. The school seeks to work in partnership with families and other agencies to improve the outcomes for children who are vulnerable or in need.’”

Teaching takes place in small class groups.

“Pupils are taught in small class groups by Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired (QTVIs) and are supported by experienced and qualified Learning Support Assistants.”

Enrichment is compulsory, timetabled weekly, and extends learning beyond the National Curriculum.

“Enrichment is a compulsory part of the school timetable. It takes place from 9.20am – 12.00pm every Friday.”

The school offers extracurricular and enrichment activities including music production, art, sport and community-based projects.

“In addition to our academic routes, we are proud to offer a wide range of extracurricular and enrichment activities that promote social interaction, physical health, and personal development. Whether it's through music production, art, sports, or community-based projects, we encourage all our students to explore their interests and develop their talents.”

Success, Dedication, Courage and Creativity are the curriculum's key drivers.

“The Key Drivers to our curriculum are Success, Dedication, Courage and Creativity.”

The school commits to high expectations, personalised learning, and preparation for independence and life beyond school.

“It supports our commitment to high expectations, personalised learning, and preparing pupils for independence and life beyond school.”

Post-16 learners can develop practical skills and confidence through pathways that include accessible, individually tailored Entry Level qualifications.

“Post-16 education offers learners the opportunity to develop practical skills and confidence through a range of pathways, including WJEC Board Entry Level qualifications, which provide accessible and meaningful accreditation tailored to individual needs and abilities”

The school provides day and residential provision for pupils up to age 19.

“School offers both day and residential provision for pupils aged 4-19 years on a weekly term-time basis.”

The school is holding a dedicated Open Day for prospective families on 25 April 2026.

“Join us at St Vincent's School on Saturday 25th April 2026 for a dedicated Open Day for prospective families.”

St Vincent's accepts referrals from parents and local authorities, with local-authority referrals received after an EHCP has been agreed.

“St Vincent's accepts referrals from parents and local authorities. We encourage parents to engage in dialogue with their child's current school SENCo and/ or local authority in the first instance. We receive referrals from local authorities once an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) has been agreed upon. Local authorities are responsible for the fees.”

The school offers GCSE, BTEC and ASDAN routes intended to provide individual pathways toward employment.

“We offer a broad range of GCSE’s, some level 1 and level 2 BTEC’s and entry level ASDAN qualifications as we aim to deliver individual outcomes, enabling all of our learners to gain a flight path and route to employment.”