Northgate School (Special)

Northgate School is a special secondary school for 200 pupils aged 11-18 years in West Northamptonshire. It's run as a single academy trust. 

Type: Specialist School

Age Range: KS3-KS5 (Ages 11-18)

Primary Areas of Need:

• Cognition and Learning : Moderate Learning Disabilities (MLD) & Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD)
• Communication and Interaction : Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Sensory and/or Physical Needs

Children Most Likely to be Considered for Admission

• Severe learning difficulties
• Significant communication needs
• Autistic learners working below age expectations
• Benefits from low-arousal environment

What Does the Provision Offer?

• Small classes
• TEACCH-informed practice
• Sensory support
• High staffing ratios

Not suitable for children who

• Can access mainstream curriculum with minimal support
• Primary needs SEMH

Curriculum and Learning

Individual learning pathways and adulthood preparation curriculum

Mainstream Inclusion

No mainstream inclusion. Specialist secondary and post-16 setting.

Key Things for Parents to Know

• The school supports pupils with Moderate Learning Disabilities, Severe Learning Difficulties, Autism and sensory or physical needs.
• Students receive highly personalised support designed around their individual strengths and needs.
• Support continues through post-16 education, helping young people prepare for adult life, further learning and future opportunities.

All pupils will have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan. The Local Authority will have identified their needs as requiring placement at Northgate School. 

Please note that the school does not accept pupils with a primary need of SEMH. 

Resources:

• Northgate School  - SEND Information Report, 2025-2026 (PDF 93.8 KB)
• Northgate School  - SEND Policy, 2022 (PDF 179KB)

Additional Information

SENCo: Francesca Shears (f.shears@northgateacademy.org.uk)