Who We Are

We're a specialist educational trust on a journey to raise the bar and set new standards for Special Educational Needs (SEN) throughout the South West.

We’re the Special Partnership Trust - a Multi-Academy Trust made up of specialist schools and Area Resource Bases (ARBs) across the South West and beyond. Founded in 2016, our Trust exists to raise the bar and redefine what’s possible for children and young people with special educational needs. Unlike most other trusts, we’re purely specialist. That’s our focus. It’s our passion. And it’s what makes us different. And everything we do is grounded in practice, and in doing, and in learning. Our schools are places of care, creativity, and courage. We work collaboratively- across Cornwall, Devon, and beyond - with mainstream settings, independent schools, and partner organisations to share best practice and lift up every learner. Everything we do is rooted in a strong ethos of inclusion, empowerment, and transparency. We’re ambitious for our young people and aspirational for their futures. And we believe in giving every learner the opportunity to thrive. We know there’s no such thing as a typical school day, a typical pupil, or a typical pathway to success - and we embrace that. We recognise the incredible diversity of needs, strengths, and potential in every child, and we tailor our approach to meet them where they are. What unites us is our belief in doing the right thing, not the easy thing. We go the extra mile (and then some) because that’s what it takes to deliver the best education. We give our staff the autonomy to lead with courage, our students the tools to grow with confidence, and our schools the support to flourish with integrity. At our core, we are a community. A family. One built on mutual respect, relentless optimism, and a deep-seated commitment to giving every young person the best start in life – no matter what challenges they face. That’s who we are. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.

What We Do

We provide specialist education for children and young people with a wide range of complex needs - but what we really do is help young people find their place in the world. Our family of schools and ARBs deliver personalised, high-quality education tailored to each learner. We develop ambitious, needs-led curriculums that focus not just on what’s taught, but how and why it’s taught - because how a young person learns matters just as much as what they learn. We offer structured pathways, personalised learning plans, and real-world life skills that prepare our learners for whatever comes next - whether that’s further education, training, employment, or simply greater independence. Beyond the classroom, we take the stress out of school leadership by handling everything from finance and governance to recruitment and HR. This frees up our heads and teachers to focus entirely on what they do best - teaching, supporting, and inspiring. And our reach extends beyond our own schools. We offer outreach services, collaborate with other trusts and settings, and share our expertise with partner schools across the region - because improving outcomes for all learners is a collective responsibility.We’re also big believers in the power of connection. That’s why we actively build strong links and partnerships - both within our Trust and across the wider communities of the South West. Our goal is to create inclusive, collaborative communities of practice that learn from and support each other. We work closely and innovatively with Local Authorities to ensure every available resource is used wisely and purposefully - always with the needs of our young people front and centre. Above all, we create space for possibility. We remove barriers, unlock potential, and nurture the kind of self-belief that lasts a lifetime.

Curious to find out more about who we are and what we do? Check out the links below for more...