Dycorts School is an average-size special school which caters for pupils with a range of learning needs including moderate and severe learning difficulties, behavioural, emotional and social difficulties, and autism. A few pupils have complex medical and physical needs. Most pupils have underlying speech, language and communication difficulties. A fifth of the pupils are girls. Three quarters of pupils are of White British heritage. The proportion of minority ethnic pupils, from a range of ethnic backgrounds, is close to the national average. A few pupils speak English as an additional language. About a third of pupils are supported by the pupil premium, which is above average. This is additional government funding for pupils who are known to be eligible for free school meals and looked after children. Many pupils join the school at various points other than at the usual times. All children in the early years attend full time. Since the last inspection there has been a period of high turnover of staff at senior level. An interim headteacher was appointed to lead the school in June 2014. An acting deputy headteacher and an acting assistant headteacher also took up post in September 2014. A new Chair of the Governing Body was elected in April 2014. The school works with speech and language therapists and other professionals from external agencies. The school uses no alternative provision.