SEND school
Highcroft School - Bishop Auckland
Highcroft School is a registered independent special school in Cockfield, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, for pupils aged 11 to 18.
It provides specialist therapeutic education for young people who face individual challenges, including day pupils and those living in Keys residential homes. As an independent special school in England, it is regulated by Ofsted.

About
About Highcroft School - Bishop Auckland
We are a small, independent school specialising in education for pupils aged 11 to 18. Many of our students come to us with diagnoses including ADHD, Dyslexia/Dyspraxia, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and our team is dedicated to providing the care and guidance they need to succeed.
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Headteacher: David Laheney
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Chair of Governors: James Madine
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Proprietor: Keys HH Ltd
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Ofsted: View report
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Address: The Green, Cockfield, Bishop Auckland DL13 5AG, UK
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Phone number: 01388 718031
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Supported needs

Resources
Documents & downloads
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- Ofsted report, standard inspection Current Ofsted · Inspected 7 July 2026 · Published 24 September 2026 · PDF · 251.4 KB
- Highcroft Term Dates 2026 - 2027 PDF · PDF · 142.6 KB
- Highcroft School Safeguarding Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 676.2 KB
- Highcroft Anti Bullying Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 290.2 KB
- Highcroft Attendance Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 395.5 KB
- Highcroft Behaviour Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 338.1 KB
- Highcroft CEIAG Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 294.8 KB
- Highcroft Curriculum policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 209.8 KB
- Highcroft Online Safety Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 307.4 KB
- Highcroft Positive Handling and Physical Intervention Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 331.9 KB
- Highcroft Risk Assessment Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 489.7 KB
- Highcroft RSHE Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 230.4 KB
- Highcroft SEND Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 320.8 KB
- Highcroft SMSC Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 296.3 KB
- Highcroft Staff Code of Conduct Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 308.6 KB
- Highcroft Accessibility Policy 2025 Policy · PDF · 314.3 KB
- Highcroft Admissions Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 355 KB
- Highcroft Alternative Provision Policy 2025-26 Policy · PDF · 357.9 KB
Looking for an older Ofsted report? View all Ofsted reports
Useful information
Common questions
Who is Highcroft School for?
Highcroft School is for pupils aged 11 to 18, including day pupils and those living in Keys residential homes.
Where is Highcroft School?
Highcroft School is in Cockfield, Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
What special educational needs does Highcroft School support?
The school supports pupils with a range of additional needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC), Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ADHD, communication difficulties and associated learning needs.
Can Highcroft School be named in an EHCP?
Yes. Highcroft School accepts pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with placements typically agreed through consultation with local authorities and families.
What makes Highcroft School different from mainstream education?
Highcroft School offers smaller class sizes, personalised learning programmes and specialist support that are designed to meet each pupil's individual educational, social and emotional needs.
How does Highcroft School support pupils with autism?
The school provides structured learning environments, predictable routines and tailored interventions that help autistic pupils develop communication skills, emotional regulation, independence and confidence.
What curriculum does Highcroft School offer?
The school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum that combines academic learning with personal development, life skills, wellbeing and preparation for future opportunities.
How does the school support emotional wellbeing?
Highcroft School places wellbeing at the heart of its approach. Staff build positive relationships with pupils and provide support that helps them develop resilience, self-confidence and self-regulation skills.
What are class sizes like?
Smaller class sizes allow staff to deliver more personalised teaching, targeted interventions and individual support, helping pupils engage more successfully with learning.
Are there opportunities for enrichment and personal development?
Absolutely. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a range of enrichment activities that help develop confidence, social skills, independence and wider life experiences.
Can families visit Highcroft School before making a referral?
Yes. Families, local authorities and professionals are welcome to arrange a visit to see the school in action, meet the staff team and discuss individual pupil needs.
Connected Support
Support centred around each individual.
We call it Connected Support.
A network of Care, Education and Health services for children, young people and adults, seamlessly connecting specialist schools, alternative learning solutions, children’s homes, adult residential, supported living and health services and expertise.








