For the last four decades, we have supported students with complex speech, language and communication needs. We are the only day and residential school and therapy provider in the United Kingdom supporting children and young aged 9-25 years old with speech, language and communication needs. Our school is accessible from London, and the surrounding areas.

More often than not, our students struggle with mainstream education. At St Catherine’s they find a calm and welcoming environment where they finally feel understood. Moreover, they encounter a team of professionals who believe in their ability to succeed.

Parents have described discovering St Catherine’s as an ‘at last!’ moment. We are passionate about supporting the journey that your child will embark on to discover their unique potential, talents and skills. Premised in the small village of Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, there are multiple accessible transport routes to reach our school premises, and we are more than happy to discuss these arrangements with you. Our coastal location will provide your child with an extraordinarily rich learning environment within a peaceful atmosphere.

We support students through three stages of their journey at our Speech & Language Therapy school, with pupils aged 9 to 16 first studying at School, then progressing to our Sixth Form from 16-19. Our Post-19 Provision programme is available for young people up to the age of 25. Students learn from a programme that is adapted to their pace, level of content and support to ensure their requirements are met, and with a high staff-to-student ratio to address communication challenges and language impairment.

Each class includes a teacher and at least one teaching assistant, who work collaboratively with speech & language therapists and occupational therapists to manage programmes and agree on individual targets for each student. Speech and language therapy and occupational therapy can be within one-to-one sessions, in pairs or small groups, involving residential houses and families, and specialist support. Students will also complete a full re-assessment within each transition year, informing decisions as they embark on their educational journey.

St Christopher’s, St Anne’s and St Margaret’s are our three residential houses that students will board in during their time at school, with the former for School pupils, and the latter two exclusive to our Sixth Form. Each has its own set of facilities including single bedrooms, a kitchen for each, communal and recreational rooms, alongside planned social programmes throughout the year. Support is provided by a Head of House and team leaders who can help with everyday routines, and provide support to stay connected with you at home.

“Since joining St Catherine's School, our son has thrived. Having struggled for years in mainstream education, St Catherine's have completely changed the outlook of our son's trajectory through the education system. We are so excited by what is now possible for him in his future with the school and beyond into adulthood.”

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A requirement in order to apply for a place at St Catherine’s is to ensure that your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), describing the significant language disorder that your child has. Please complete our initial enquiry form, or get in touch via 01983 852722 or admissions@stcatherines.org.uk. We will then be back in touch with you to discuss your next options, and if we can provide the correct support for your child, we would then recommend attending an Open Day with your child.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing how we can positively help your child reach their full potential.