Red Gates School is a warm, welcoming special school in Croydon for children aged 4 to 11 years who have severe learning difficulties (SLD), autism, and other complex needs.

The school offers a highly supportive and structured environment where children are encouraged to learn, develop life skills, and grow in confidence. Each child is taught in a way that suits their individual needs, using specialist approaches, equipment, and therapies.

Red Gates is part of Croydon’s local SEND offer and works closely with families, health professionals, and the local authority to give every child the best possible start in education. 

Red Gates supports children who:

• Are aged 4 to 11 years old.
• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
• Have severe learning difficulties, autism, communication needs, or other complex developmental needs.
• May also have additional sensory, medical, or physical needs.

Red Gates provides:

• A personalised curriculum built around each child’s needs and abilities.
• Specialist teaching methods including TEACCH, Makaton, and Attention Autism.
• A focus on communication, independence, and emotional wellbeing.
• Small class sizes with high staff-to-pupil ratios.
• Access to speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.
• A calm and sensory-friendly environment, designed to support regulation and learning.

The school also uses positive behaviour support strategies and visual communication tools to help children feel secure and understood. 

Red Gates is committed to working in partnership with families.

Parents and carers are closely involved in their child’s learning and development, and the school offers:

• Regular updates and communication.
• Supportive meetings and reviews.
• Opportunities to attend workshops and family events.

All places at Red Gates School are arranged by Croydon Council’s SEND Team through the EHCP consultation process.

To apply:

• Your child must have an EHCP.
• The Croydon SEND service will consult with the school to check if it is the right fit for your child.
• Speak to your child’s SENCo, early years professional, or the 0–25 SEND Statutory Service for more information. 

Please click here to visit the school's website for:

• More about the school’s approach
  
• Admissions information
  
• Curriculum and support services