Who We Are

We are the Special Partnership Trust – a specialist Multi-Academy Trust made up of schools and Area Resource Bases (ARBs) across the South West and beyond. Founded in 2016, we exist to raise the bar and redefine what’s possible for children and young people with special educational needs.

What Makes Us Different

Unlike most trusts, we focus exclusively on specialist education. It’s our passion, our purpose, and our strength. Everything we do is grounded in practice, collaboration, and a commitment to doing what’s right – not just what’s easy.

Our Values in Action

Our schools are places of care, creativity, and courage. We believe in inclusion, empowerment, and transparency. We celebrate diversity, tailor our approach to each learner, and go the extra mile to unlock potential and nurture lifelong confidence.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every young person has access to the education they need – delivered in the best possible environment – so they can thrive, succeed, and flourish, no matter their circumstances.

This vision guides everything we do. While the day-to-day may bring challenges, we stay grounded in our ethos: always putting our learners first.

Our Mission

We do things differently – and we never settle for the ordinary. Our mission is to be a force for good in SEN, making a positive, lasting difference in the lives of young people and their families.

We challenge conventions, pioneer excellence, and work tirelessly to create better tomorrows. Through a specialist curriculum that focusses on living as well as learning, we empower our pupils, parents, and staff to build confident, resilient, and fulfilled lives.

We give our staff the autonomy to lead with courage, and our learners the tools to grow with purpose. We dare to be different, and we strive every day to draw the best out of everyone in our community.

Our Core Values

• Ambitious: We set new standards and consistently raise them through the quality of our work and approach.
• Aspirational: We dream big – and we’re brave enough to act on those aspirations.
• Invested: We care deeply. It’s not just something we say – it’s something we live, every day.
• Purposeful: Everything we do is intentional, driven by our mission and aligned with our vision.
• Genuine: Honesty, transparency, and authenticity are the foundation of all our relationships and decisions.
• Energetic: We bring passion and momentum to SEN – we’re go-getters, innovators, and never bound by convention.
• Inclusive: Every voice matters. Everyone is heard. Everyone belongs.
• Specialist: Our expertise gives us unique insight into the needs of our learners and their families — and we use it to make a difference.