Pontville School is a co-educational residential and day independent special school which caters for 155 boys and girls aged between 5 to19 years. Based in Ormskirk they meet the needs of a diverse group of pupils with complex learning difficulties. The majority of pupils have an ASD diagnosis along with more complex needs including sensory processing and speech, language and communication difficulties. We provide our pupils with safe, secure and caring environment, within which personal growth and development is promoted for them to reach their full potential.

Our curriculum is designed to be relevant and to recognise and cater for the individual needs of each pupil at our school. Pupils follow the National Curriculum, suitably modified to meet individual needs. Pupils are placed in small teaching group of 8 and each class group is taught by a teacher who is supported by a teaching assistant who are linked to a particular class group. The school makes available a range of accredited courses to aid the pupils when they leave and move onto college or employment.

Pontville has a full clinical team who work within the school. They provide support to allow pupils to understand more about themselves and develop their own coping strategies. They also work closely with staff providing training for them to deliver the strategies/approaches needed for the young people.

The school has lots of outdoor space including a forest school and woodland walk. Pupils can access a multi-use games area, a sensory integration room and vocational areas including hair and beauty, construction and mechanics. Our Futures Programme helps pupils see the connections between school and future employment and will support them if they need it after leaving the Witherslack Group.