Pupils needs are at the forefront of decision-making at this ‘outstanding’ Catholic special school

The school: St Edward’s is a Catholic secondary school for boys with behavioural, emotional or social difficulties. It currently has fewer than 50 boarding and day pupils, aged nine to 18. Many pupils have dyslexia or other learning disabilities and most have a history of severely disrupted schooling. Fees are paid by local authorities, which refer children to St Edward’s. Owned by the Diocese of Clifton, the school is housed in Melchet Court, a Jacobean-style mansion surrounded by gardens and parkland.