Stannard School

Stannard School is a specialist independent special school located in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, serving young people aged 5-18 with Autism and/or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties. The school operates under the Polaris Community, a network of six SEN schools across the UK, and provides a safe, supportive educational environment with small bespoke groupings of 4-6 children plus teaching staff. All pupils have Education Health and Care Plans with their main area of need identified as either ASD or SEMH. The school received a 'Good' overall effectiveness rating from Ofsted in February 2025, with particular strengths in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. The curriculum is tailored to individual needs, with younger pupils following the National Curriculum and older pupils working towards external accreditations including GCSEs, functional skills, ASDAN, and Entry Level awards, alongside a strong focus on careers and next steps.