West Kirby School and College Meols Drive, West Kirby, Wirral, CH48 5DH, Merseyside 0151 632 3201

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School type	Coeducational Day & Weekly Boarding
Founded	1881
Special Needs	ADHD, ASD, ASP, AUT, BESD, SCD, SEMH, SPLI
Head of Day School	Mr Pete Smith
Co-ed Age Range	5-19
Number of pupils	87
Fees	On application
Associations	NASS, NASEN, NAES

Changing Children's Lives, Building Better Futures

WKS is a Non-Maintained Special School for pupils with a wide range of social, communication difficulties often linked with conditions such as Autism and additional complex learning needs.

We have the option of day only provision or flexible boarding provision with pupils staying between one and four nights per week. Residential units include three houses in the locality and all are maintained to a high standard, with individual bedrooms and common areas for dining and recreation.

The school prides itself on being able to help some very complex young people access the National Curriculum and work towards appropriate accreditation in all subjects including Open Awards, GCSEs and A Levels. Staff are highly skilled in the understanding of the social and emotional needs of the pupils, as well as being able to personalise the academic work accordingly and provide high levels of support.

We believe the views of the pupils are paramount to success and the school offers opportunities for this through School Council, Pupil Voice and individual discussion. Every pupil has an 'individual support plan' which they and staff contribute to. Differentiation and small classes with high levels of adult support have proven successful. We have excellent facilities, particularly for arts, sports, drama and other practical subjects.

The school has its own Clinical Service team which provides additional 'therapy' and educational support often necessary for the pupils to access the National Curriculum and fulfil their academic and personal potential. This department consists of: Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapy team, Therapeutic Support Service team, Behaviour and Reading support specialists/teams, a Learning Mentor, a Family Liaison Officer and Pastoral Care Team.

Post 16 is bespoke provision on-site. Each pupil has a study programme tailored to their individual needs, involving academic study, vocational and employability skills and further development of social and communication skills. The college has recently established supported Internships to facilitate access to college and work.

Staff are experienced at assisting pupils in the difficult process of transition from school to adult life. All pupils benefit from the strong pastoral ideal that runs through the school, to be aware both of themselves as individuals and within a group, increasing their respect for others, their self-esteem, emotional regulation and self-awareness.

Our staff are well qualified, experienced professionals. Recruitment procedures are rigorous with exemplary professional development available for all. Continued professional development is supported through an extensive range or partnerships with local schools, universities and other agencies.

A rounded curriculum with enrichment activities are an important part of our school experience to develop pupils' social, emotional and life skills. Pupils are regularly involved in community projects, Enterprise activities, offsite arts and culture trips, alongside being a direct licensed Duke of Edinburgh centre.

'This school remains outstanding' (Ofsted 2016).

WKS is a registered charity no. 207790.