The school provides for pupils from 11 to 19 who have a range of disabilities and special educational needs. The largest group are those with moderate learning difficulties. There are also sizeable groups who have severe learning difficulties or with autistic spectrum disorders. A minority has sensory difficulties, physical or health-related difficulties, speech, language and communication difficulties or social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. All pupils have statements of special educational needs. The school has specialist provision for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders, but these pupils often attend main school lessons wherever possible. The provision is included as part of the whole school. The school has a sixth form which provides for students up to the age of 19. The majority of pupils are boys. The proportion of pupils supported by pupil-premium funding is higher than the average. This is additional funding for those pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, for pupils who are looked after by the local authority and for the children of service families. Most pupils are of White British heritage. There is a minority of pupils looked after by the local authority. The headteacher and assistant headteacher have been recently appointed within the last year. The school has strong partnerships with other local special schools and secondary high schools. The school makes use of sport facilities at Ladybridge High School. Students attend courses at Bolton College.