The Milestone School is a special school for pupils between the ages of two and 16 who have a range of learning difficulties including severe learning difficulties, profound and multiple learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorders. Many pupils have a complex range of needs. Virtually all are supported by a statement of special educational needs, except for a group of pupils in the Early Years Foundation Stage who are undergoing a period of assessment of their individual needs. The proportion of pupils who receive the pupil premium (additional funding for those who are eligible for free school meals, are in the care of the local authority or who have a parent or carer in the armed services) is well above the national average. All three of the eligibility criteria are met at the school by different pupils. The proportion of pupils from minority ethnic groups or who speak English as an additional language is below average. The school has been designated as a specialist school for communication and interaction and as such works closely with a range of other special and mainstream schools across the local authority area. The school provides placements for those undertaking training for headship of special schools by the National College for Teaching and Leadership.