Priory School

At Priory School, we passionately believe that all young people with special educational needs and disabilities are entitled to access outstanding learning within their local community and we are committed to setting standards of excellence in special education that achieve the highest aspirational outcomes for all of our students.

Priory School is a Local Authority Maintained Community School for young people aged 11 – 19 with moderate to severe learning difficulties, many of our students also have a diagnosis of Autism. Following our recent Ofsted short inspection in October 2017, Priory School continues to be recognised as a ‘Good’ school in all aspects of our provision.

Opened in 2014, our school building is located in Hermitage Road, Upper Norwood and includes a dedicated Food Technology Preparation Kitchen, an ICT suite, Immersive Room, Gym, Lego Therapy Room, Therapy Centre, Outdoor Learning and animal care  area and our own Forest School which provides students with opportunities to flourish and learn new skills in a variety of learning environments outside of the classroom. The school further benefits from a purpose built Theatre Studio enabling our students to fully explore their dance, drama and creative talents in a realistic working performance space.

Our Post 16 provision provides students with their own Common Room and ‘Life Skills'’ area,  that enables them to practice and develop both their social and independent living skills in preparation for adult life. We have also developed a wide range of work experience opportunities for Key Stage 5 learners that include hospitality, retail, farm work, hairdressing, etc. within the local community.  Our latest development is our student-run cafe which currently serves barista-style coffees and home made pastries to staff and visitors one a week.

I hope you enjoy looking around our School website and finding out more about our school and our vision for all of our students of ‘Brilliant Lives’. However, to really experience the positive, caring and inspirational atmosphere that is apparent from the moment you enter the school, why not come and visit us? We will be very pleased to welcome you.

Julie Evans
Head Teacher, Priory School