What Perseid School does

Perseid School is a state-maintained special school in Morden, Surrey, funded and maintained by the London Borough of Merton. It serves approximately 100–150 pupils aged 3–19 with severe and complex learning difficulties, including learners with an additional diagnosis of autism and/or physical and sensory disabilities. The school operates across two campuses — the Lower School at Bordesley Road (EYFS, Key Stages 1 and 2) and the Upper School at Middleton Road (Key Stages 3, 4, and Sixth Form) — and has held Outstanding Ofsted ratings consistently since 2009, most recently confirmed by a January 2025 comprehensive evaluation.

Its core educational offering is a personalized Adapted Curriculum delivered alongside integrated therapy provision (speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy). Specialized communication methodologies underpin delivery, including Intensive Interaction, PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Signalong, MOVE (Movement Opportunities within Education), and the Thrive Approach, supplemented by the Curiosity Programme for discovery-based learning. Specialist facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, sensory studios, a drama theatre, woodland and outdoor learning areas, a Scooter Park, wellbeing spaces, and an Edible Classroom developed with Trees for Cities.

Commercially, Perseid operates a managed-services revenue model funded entirely through state education allocations from the London Borough of Merton. All pupils are placed via the Local Authority panel following an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) assessment; there are no fee-paying parents and no commercial revenue streams beyond optional uniform purchases. The school supplements statutory funding via the Friends of Perseid (FOPS) charity and partnerships (e.g., Banstead Downs Golf Club), and extends its influence regionally through the co-founded Merton Special Training Association (MSTA), which delivers teacher training, SEND reviews, and School-to-School support.

Name

Perseid School

Legal name

Perseid School

Website

https://perseid.merton.sch.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Perseid School is a state-maintained special school in Morden, Surrey, serving pupils aged 3–19 with severe and complex learning difficulties, autism, and physical/sensory disabilities through a personalized Adapted Curriculum, integrated therapy, and two campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Specialized Programs & Classrooms (Autism, Emotional/Behavioral, Intellectual/Developmental, Multi-Disability) (EDAJAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Special Education Schools & Programs (EDAJAAAH), Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAB), IEP/504 Planning, Case Management & Compliance (EDAJAKAB)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Special educational needs
• Learning difficulties support
• Education health care plans
• Special needs schooling

Headquarters

HQ city

Morden

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. State Education Funding: Perseid School is a day school maintained by the London Borough of Merton. As a state-funded special school, the school receives funding through the Local Authority for providing education to pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Perseid School is a state-maintained special school in Morden, Surrey, providing full-time education for pupils aged 3 to 19 with severe and complex learning difficulties, including autism and physical/sensory disabilities. The school delivers a differentiated Adapted Curriculum across Lower School, Upper School, and Sixth Form phases, alongside integrated on-site therapies (Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy). Provision is organized to meet the requirements of pupils' Education, Health and Care Plans.

Product overview

Perseid School is a special educational needs institution offering personalized educational programs for pupils aged 3-19 with severe and complex learning difficulties and learners with additional diagnosis of autism and/or physical/sensory difficulties. The school provides a holistic educational experience through its Adapted Curriculum, communication programs (including PECS, Intensive Interaction, Thrive, MOVE), therapy provision (SALT, OT, physio), and enrichment activities. The school operates across two campuses: Lower School (Nursery through Year 6) and Upper School (Key Stage 3 through Sixth Form), with specialized departments organized by pathway groups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lower School (Nursery through Year 6) Lower School phase of Perseid School delivering the Adapted Curriculum for pupils in the early years and primary age range, integrated with on-site therapy and specialist communication/mobility programmes.
• Upper School (Key Stage 3 through Key Stage 4) Upper School phase of Perseid School for secondary-age pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties, continuing the Adapted Curriculum alongside therapy and specialist programmes.
• Sixth Form Post-16 Sixth Form provision for pupils aged up to 19, providing continued access to the Adapted Curriculum and integrated therapy as part of preparation for adulthood transitions.
• Adapted Curriculum School's differentiated curriculum framework designed specifically for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties, autism, and physical/sensory disabilities, embedding specialist communication and motor programmes.
• Integrated Therapy Provision On-site Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Physiotherapy delivered alongside classroom teaching, supporting pupils' EHCP therapy targets within the school day.

Quantifiable outcome

• Successful transitions to next steps - The school is highly successful in preparing pupils to transition seamlessly into their next steps, including further education, employment, and adult life.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Merton Special Training Association (MSTA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012MSTA was formed by Perseid School and Cricket Green School, growing from the Merton Special Teaching Alliance (2012-2021). It delivers support for school effectiveness and specialist best practice including School to School support, CPLD, and ITT. Co-headed by Executive Headteacher Fiona Copeland and Celia Dawson (Headteacher at Cricket Green School). Provides bespoke support for SEND pupils, SEND reviews, coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• St Helier Community ClustercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of five primary schools: St Teresa's, Malmesbury, Abbotsbury, Morden and Perseid Lower. Perseid is a founder member. Schools share common aspects reflecting the community including cultural mix, areas of deprivation, high mobility, and aspirations work.
• Merton School Sport PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership aims to ensure schools across Merton have access to well-coordinated PE lessons, competitions, festivals, teacher training, and sports leadership. Perseid employs MSSP leaders to deliver PE and sports lessons.
• SeeAbilitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity providing sight testing and glasses dispensing programme in special schools. Partnership since 2013, winning Nasen 2019 Provision of the Year Award. Research shows children with learning difficulties are 28 times more likely to have sight problems. Now provided through NHS funding from April 2024.
• Merton MencapcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal registered charity providing support for children, young people and adults with learning disability. Perseid and Merton Mencap enjoy close working relationship with shared beliefs and goals. Have worked together for over 30 years. Perseid sponsors the Saturday Club and holiday play schemes on school premises.
• Genesis Academy JamaicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership developed as part of a British Council Project starting in 2008. Aim is to widen knowledge for teaching staff and pupils through video calls at Upper School where pupils engage and discuss curriculum, school careers, and daily life, providing opportunities to practise interaction and communication skills.
• SSAT (Schools, Students and Teachers network)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive member of SSAT network, the largest and most active network of schools in the country. Part of Leading-Edge Partnership Programme. School achieved SSAT Leading Edge Framework accreditation at highest levels for Transforming Practice in Leadership through Moral Purpose, Professional Learning, and Wellbeing.
• Roehampton UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Initial Teacher Training. Perseid is a member of Roehampton Partnership Board. NaSENCO programme delivered jointly with MSTA/Roehampton University. Safeguarding training for Year 1 BA Education Practice course.
• London Southbank University (LSBU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Initial Teacher Training including delivering ITT in partnership with MSTA, delivering SEN module on PGCE course, safeguarding training for PGCE course, hosting visits and training sessions, and offering placements. Perseid is a member of the LSBU Partner Advisory Board.
• The Ursuline Academy WimbledonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal secondary school partnership providing opportunities for students and Perseid pupils to learn from one another.
• Kings College School WimbledonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal secondary school partnership providing opportunities for students and Perseid pupils to learn from one another. Maclear House at Kings College Wimbledon has supported Perseid Upper School for years as their chosen charity, raising funds through Christmas card competitions.
• Wimbledon High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal secondary school partnership. Wimbledon High School alumni have volunteered at Perseid School, working with children with different sensory needs.
• Tim Henman FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for youth tennis leadership programme. Sixth Form pupils took on role of tennis coaches alongside Sarah from the Tim Henman Foundation, developing coaching skills through PFA and work experience programme and achieving LTA-accredited Youth Tennis Leaders qualification.
• Trees for Cities / Edible PlaygroundsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharity transforming school grounds into educational outdoor spaces. The Edible Classroom at Perseid includes outdoor classroom area with wooden tables, raised garden beds, fruit trees, greenhouse, and compost/wormery, designed specifically for pupils with SEND needs.
• Friends of Perseid (FOPS)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegistered charity established in 1988 to provide extras for pupils outside statutory responsibility. Has undertaken successful capital appeals raising funds for multi-sensory room (1994), hydrotherapy facility (2000), sensory room and drama studio (2011), and outdoor learning areas (2015).
• Banstead Downs Golf ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAdopted Perseid School as their charity of the year, raising in excess of £13,500 to fund the Scooter Park at Upper School's Wellbeing Areas.
• Autism Education TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA works with Autism Education Trust as part of its professional relationships network for delivering SEND support.
• ThriveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA includes Thrive as a professional relationship partner, supporting emotional health and wellbeing approaches in schools.
• UNICEF UK (Rights Respecting Schools)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerseid School is recognized by UNICEF as a Gold Rights Respecting School (2020, 2024), demonstrating commitment to children's rights and creating a rights-respecting school environment.
• Ambition InstituteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA works with Ambition Institute as part of its professional relationships network for teacher and leadership development.
• Chartered College of TeachingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA includes Chartered College of Teaching as a professional relationship partner for professional development.
• NasenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA works with Nasen (National Association of Special Educational Needs) as part of its professional relationships network for SEND best practice.
• Wandle Teaching School HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA includes Wandle Teaching School Hub as a professional relationship partner.
• Whole School SENDminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA includes Whole School SEND as a professional relationship partner for SEND improvement.
• SSATcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA includes SSAT as a professional relationship partner in its network for school improvement.
• Sport EnglandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMSTA works with Sport England as part of its professional relationships for physical education and sports development.
• Clarity in Sound, Light and Vision LimitedminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProposed provider for the Immersive Sensory Learning Studio project, which would include control systems, lighting, sound, projection, systems setup and training.
• Medicine in Specialist Schools (MiSS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMiSS seeks to give voice to school leaders in specialist provision to ensure pupils receive high quality health and medical support. Executive Headteacher Fiona Copeland serves as Regional Leader for the MiSS Steering Group, working at local, regional and national level to secure best outcomes for vulnerable children.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• St Piers School (Young Epilepsy): Non-maintained special school in Surrey for pupils with epilepsy and associated complex learning needs; comparable cohort complexity and integrated therapy-led provision.
• TreeHouse School (Ambitious about Autism): Independent specialist school for autistic pupils with severe learning difficulties, delivering the autism-specific, highly personalised approach that overlaps with Perseid's autism cohort provision.
• Willow Dene School: Outstanding-rated London special school (Greenwich) for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties, including autism and physical disabilities; comparable scale, cohort and integrated therapy model.
• Royal School for Deaf Children, Margate: Non-maintained special school for deaf children with additional complex needs; similar profile of integrated therapy, communication approaches (including AAC/Signalong analogues) and bespoke curriculum.
• Cricket Green School: State-maintained special school in Merton co-headed by Fiona Copeland and co-founder of MSTA; serves pupils with severe learning difficulties and is the most directly comparable peer, operating under the same Local Authority and partnership structure.
• Swiss Cottage School, Development & Research Centre: Outstanding-rated London maintained special school for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties, including autism; uses integrated therapy and personalised curriculum approaches analogous to Perseid.
• Brookfield School (London): Camden maintained special school for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties, operating a personalised curriculum with integrated therapies closely aligned to Perseid's model.

Broad incumbents

• National Autistic Society (NAS) schools: Largest UK specialist provider of autism education running schools and services; comparable on the autism cohort and structured-teaching approach but operates at significantly broader scale across multiple settings.
• MENCAP (national charity): National learning disability charity providing education, supported living and advocacy; Perseid has a long-standing parallel partnership with the local Merton Mencap, making the national body a thematically comparable player.

Others

• Nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs): Membership and standards body for the SEND sector that awarded Perseid its 2019 Provision of the Year Award; not a direct competitor but a sectoral peer and partner shaping the policy environment Perseid operates in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/perseidschool

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Perseid School