School guide
Willowbrook SEN School
55 Willowbrook Drive, Sale, M33 4GW, M33 4GW
Latest Ofsted
OutstandingWhat to know
Draft previewWillowbrook is a genuinely exceptional specialist setting — the 1:6 staff ratio isn't just a number, it shows in how personalised every part of the day is, from the hydrotherapy pool sessions to the life-skills flat used for real independence practice. Families going through the EHCP process should expect the school to engage closely with the local authority on suitability, rather than a simple application. For children with complex needs, this is one of the strongest specialist provisions in the borough, with therapy genuinely embedded in the curriculum rather than bolted on.
The essentials
Facts that help you decide
Ofsted rating
OutstandingAttendance
92%
PAN
40
School size
145 pupils
Age range
4–19
Sixth form
Yes
Gender
Mixed
Entry type
Non-selective
Admissions
Can my child get a place?
The rules, recent outcomes and context that matter when judging your chances.
Places are allocated through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process rather than the standard Trafford coordinated admissions system.
A place at this school is named in a child's EHCP by Trafford Council following an assessment of their needs, rather than through an annual application round. Because places are matched to individual needs rather than allocated by priority order, distance and oversubscription statistics used for mainstream schools are not applicable here.
Trafford SEND and EHCP guidance →School life
What's it actually like day to day?
The practical details and everyday experience that official performance data can't tell you.
Willowbrook SEN School is a special educational needs school for pupils aged 4–19. It has a sixth form for post-16 study. Facilities on site include Sensory rooms, Hydrotherapy pool, Rebound therapy, Life-skills flat, Therapy garden.
Holiday & after-school support
Sponsored partnerVisit
Open days
Check the event details below, then use the school's own website for booking information where required.
By appointment
Individual visit
Arrange a personal tour with the school's admissions team.
Latest
News
This term
Willowbrook's therapy garden opens to families
A new sensory garden gives pupils and families additional outdoor therapy space.
Keep exploring
Similar schools
Common questions
Parent questions
How are places allocated?+
Placement follows an EHCP needs assessment and consultation with the local authority — there is no general application form.
Does this school have a sixth form?+
Yes, with accredited ASDAN life-skills pathways up to age 19.
Your next step
What should you do next?
Take the next step in your decision, whichever feels right for where you are.