The Sensational Learning Centre is a school that provides a safe, nurturing environment for neurodivergent children and young people who face challenges in traditional mainstream education settings.

It is one of six grant-aided schools in Scotland. Grant-aided schools are independent of local authorities but receive financial support from the Scottish Government.

Children and young people benefit from a small group setting where active and creative learning is aligned with the Curriculum for Excellence for Broad General Education, and for the Senior Phase, focusing on skills required for successful transition into adult life

For further information, parents or carers are encouraged to complete the Sensational Learning Centre enquiry form. A member of the team will then get in touch to discuss next steps and provide further guidance.

Parents or carers can make initial contact with the Sensational Learning Centre directly. Following this, the Sensational Learning Centre will carry out an assessment to consider whether a placement can be offered.

Enquiries are usually made by parents or carers, but professionals working with the child or young person (such as school staff or local authority representatives) may also contact the Sensational Learning Centre with parental consent.

Following a visit, an application will be sent to you to complete and return with supporting information.

Our process is detailed in our Application & Assessment Guide.

Pupils must be within the age range of P1-S6 at the time of admission.

The Sensational Learning Centre supports neurodivergent children and young people who face challenges in traditional mainstream education settings.

Admission is offered if our school provision can safely meet a child or young person’s needs.

Our process is detailed in our Application & Assessment Guide.

The timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances and the availability of supporting information. The Sensational Learning Centre will keep families informed throughout the process.

Yes, in most cases the assessment process includes visits to the school. This allows staff to observe the child or young person and understand how best to support their needs.

No. The assessment helps determine whether the Sensational Learning Centre can safely and effectively meet the child or young person’s needs.

If the assessment indicates that the Sensational Learning Centre can meet a child or young person’s needs, an offer of placement letter will be issued.

Parents or carers will be asked to submit a placing request to their local authority.

The Sensational Learning Centre is grant-aided by the Scottish Government.

Individual pupil placements are funded by local authorities following an agreed process.

Yes. Even if the Sensational Learning Centre offers a place, the local authority must consider and approve the placing request and funding arrangements.

We understand that starting at a new school is a big change. Each child and young person is supported through a carefully planned transition, which may include short introductory visits, meeting key staff members and becoming familiar with the classroom environment. The Sensational Learning Centre team works closely with families to ensure we understand each child and young person’s needs, helping them settle in at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive.

If the local authority does not approve the placing request, they will discuss alternative options with the family.

• Monday to Thursday 0900 – 1530
• Friday 0900 – 1230

38 weeks per year

Our process is detailed in our Attendance Policy.

School uniform is not compulsory. We encourage our children and pupils to wear comfortable clothing that allows them to feel relaxed and ready to learn.

No. This should be arranged via your authority.

Yes, at our Bistro.

We believe that strong communication with families is very important. Parents and carers are kept informed through regular updates, meetings and communication with key staff. We are always happy to discuss a child or young person’s progress and work closely with families to support each pupil’s development.

Yes. We follow a broad curriculum similar to mainstream schools, but it is adapted to meet each pupil’s individual needs. Learning is flexible and personalised so that every child and young person can access the curriculum in a way that supports their development and progress.

Each pupil’s progress is monitored regularly by staff and measured against their individual learning goals. We assess progress through ongoing observation, classroom work and individual targets.

Parents and carers are kept informed through regular updates and six-monthly review meetings, where we discuss each pupil’s development and next steps.

The Sensational Learning Centre provides a multidisciplinary approach, which may include input from education staff, speech and language specialists, and other professionals who support each pupil’s development.

Supporting wellbeing is central to our approach. Staff work closely with pupils to create a calm, structured environment that promotes confidence, communication and emotional regulation.

We support pupils in preparing for life beyond school by planning transitions carefully and working closely with adult social care and other relevant services. Our aim is to help each young person develop the skills, confidence and support they need for their next stage.

Post-school destinations vary depending on each young person’s goals and needs. This may include further education, supported employment, training opportunities or community-based support services.

Transition planning usually begins well in advance of leaving school. This allows time to explore suitable options and ensure that the appropriate support is in place.