Sunnydown School, Caterham

In its own words: "Sunnydown School is a specialist setting that supports students with social communication and interaction needs, which can present significant barriers to success in mainstream school environments. We recognise that these differences can impact learning, relationships and self-confidence, and require understanding, expertise and carefully designed provision to enable every student to thrive. At Sunnydown School, diversity is recognised, valued and celebrated."

From the headteacher's welcome: "At Sunnydown, we believe that every student matters, every student belongs and every student is supported to succeed. These principles sit at the heart of everything we do and shape the caring, ambitious and inclusive community we are proud to be. We understand that every young person's journey is different."

The nearest other special schools to Sunnydown School are Clifton Hill School (1 mile); Olympus (2.4 miles, Requires improvement); Aurora Chaldon School (2.6 miles); and Abingdon House School Purley (2.7 miles).

Of the 16 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 100% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 88% to a further education college.

29.7% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 1.1% speak English as an additional language, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (84%) and Mixed (10%).

Almost every pupil at Sunnydown School has an education, health and care plan (91 of 91 in 2026). The most common need among them is autism.

Sunnydown School provides for pupils with speech, language and communication needs and autism.

The nearest railway station is Whyteleafe South Rail Station, about 1090 metres away (roughly a 14-minute walk).

1 bus stop is within a five-minute walk; the closest is Portley Lane (adjacent), 380 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Sunnydown School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 142 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and public order offences. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Surrey (76), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Sunnydown School issued 13 suspensions, 14.3 for every 100 pupils, and no permanent exclusions.