Headlands School is an independent special school, situated in the residential area of Penarth in the Vale of Glamorgan. It is part of the Action for Children charity group. The school provides residential and day placements for pupils aged 7 to 19 years with social, emotional and associated complex needs. All pupils have a wide range of additional learning needs including attachment disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity and autistic spectrum disorders and other various complex needs related to trauma and adversity. All pupils have either a statement of special educational need (SEN) or an Education health and care plan (EHCP). Around a quarter of pupils have looked-after child (LAC) status. The school currently educates 69 pupils from Key Stage 2 to post-16. Currently there are 14 residential pupils who attend the school and the remaining 55 pupils are day pupils. Nearly all pupils come from Welsh local authorities, with a very few from English local authorities. The school's aim is to develop young people wellbeing and independence through an individualised approach to both education and care. The principal has been in post since 2009. The last full inspection by Estyn was in April 2019.