St Nicholas' School
The district special school for children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs, where all pupils have profound, severe and/or complex needs with an EHCP. The school serves over 360 students across the Canterbury district.
School Type: LA-maintained (community special school)
SEND Types: Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), Autism (ASD), Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), Physical Disability (PD), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
Age Range: 4-19
Ofsted Rating: Good
Location: Nunnery Fields, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3JL
Website: https://st-nicholas.kent.sch.uk/
What Parents Should Know
St Nicholas' School is an LA-maintained (community special school) in Kent for children with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) and related needs. Special schools like this provide a more specialist environment than mainstream schools, with smaller class sizes, higher staff-to-pupil ratios, and access to on-site therapeutic support.
Most special schools in Kent require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) for admission. During the EHCP process, you can express a preference for a particular school, and the local authority must consider your request. It is strongly recommended that you visit any school you are considering before making a decision.
If you believe your child's needs cannot be met in a mainstream school, you can request an EHC needs assessment from Kent County Council. For a step-by-step guide to the process, see our EHCP application guide.
Helpful Resources
- All SEND Schools in Kent
- How to Apply for an EHCP in Kent — step-by-step guide for parents
- EHCP Checklist — make sure your application is complete
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child need an EHCP to attend St Nicholas' School?
In most cases, yes. Admission to a special school in Kent typically requires an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that names the school. The EHCP sets out your child's needs and the support they require, and the local authority uses it to determine the appropriate placement.
How do I apply for a place at St Nicholas' School?
You can express a preference for St Nicholas' School during the EHCP process. The local authority must consider your preference and can only refuse if the school is unsuitable for your child's needs, if it would be incompatible with the efficient education of other children, or if it would be an inefficient use of resources. See our EHCP application guide for more details.
Can I visit St Nicholas' School before applying?
Yes, and it is strongly encouraged. Most special schools welcome parent visits and open days. Contact the school directly to arrange a visit. Seeing the environment, meeting staff, and observing how the school operates will help you decide if it is right for your child.
Is this your listing?
Claim your free profile to update your details, add your logo, and connect with families looking for SEND support in Kent.
Claim This ListingNeed help finding the right school?
Not sure if this school is right for your child? Tell us what you need and we will help point you in the right direction.