Special needs schools in South Africa: LSEN, full-service and schools of skills
South Africa's inclusive education policy aims to support learners with disabilities and barriers to learning in the school closest to them where possible, and in a specialised school when they need more support. The Department of Basic Education's masterlist includes several kinds of schools for this.
Types of schools
Special schools (special needs education centres, often called LSEN schools) serve learners who need high levels of support, for example learners who are blind or partially sighted, Deaf or hard of hearing, or have physical, intellectual or autism-related disabilities. Many have hostels.
Schools of skills offer a practical, vocational curriculum for learners from about age 13 who struggle in a mainstream academic programme.
Full-service schools are ordinary schools that have been equipped and staffed to support learners with moderate needs alongside their peers.
Hospital schools teach children who spend long periods in hospital.
How placement works
- Speak to your child's current school. Its school-based support team can assess what support your child needs.
- If more support is needed, the district-based support team gets involved, using the national SIAS (Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support) process.
- The district recommends the right placement, which may be a full-service school or a special school.
Admission to special schools is usually arranged through the provincial education district office rather than directly with the school. Waiting lists can be long, so start early.
Find special needs schools
Browse all special needs schools by province. Each school page lists its specialisation where the DBE records one, such as visual impairment or autism.