Liverpool special school, Abbot’s Lea School in Woolton, has been named the UK’s best school for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and inclusive practice, and has won the title of Most Inspirational Specialist School in the Northwest.
Abbot’s Lea School is an outstanding maintained community special school that provides the highest quality of education students aged 3-19 living with Autism and a range of associated communication, interaction, social imagination, sensory and learning differences.
The 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards announced Abbot’s Lea School as the winner of the highest Gold Award in the ‘SEND and Inclusive Practice’ category, following its Silver Award win earlier this year. The school is recognised nationally as a leader in inclusive education, standing out for its commitment to academic excellence, therapeutic innovation, and life skills development for students with autism and highly complex needs.
The announcement was made during a staff briefing led by the Headteacher Ania Hildrey, with the surprise reveal delivered by Kevin Duala from BBC’s The One Show.
Adding to the celebrations, the school also scooped an Educate Award this month, being named the Most Inspirational Specialist School in the Northwest.
Headteacher of Abbot’s Lea School, Ania Hildrey, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see our school recognised at such a high level and in such prestigious ceremonies. Becoming Gold Award winners and being acknowledged as a national leader in inclusive practice truly reflects our commitment to academic progress, specialist therapeutic support, and the development of our students’ life skills.
“I am beyond proud of the journey we have taken together, and I would like to thank our staff and school community for the incredible support you give to our school every day. The work we do truly transforms the lives of our students and their families, and this recent recognition will inspire us to continue to do so!”
Cabinet Member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, Councillor Joanne Kennedy, said: “The recent award wins are testament to the dedication of the staff at Abbot’s Lea and the incredible support they provide to families in Liverpool.
“The achievements reflect Liverpool’s commitment to high quality provision, focus on inclusive practice and removing barriers to learning. We are immensely proud of Abbot’s Lea and the positive impact they make to our community.”