On behalf of the pupils, staff and governors it is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to Netherhall Mead Academy. We are a special school for 135 children aged 4-19 years who have severe, profound and multiple learning disabilities. In addition to their learning difficulties, many pupils have other needs associated with physical disabilities, autism and medical conditions.

In 2025 we joined the Mead Educational Trust, which gives our staff even more support, resources and opportunities to progress their careers. We work closely with the secondary and primary schools in the Trust, and we subscribe to the Trust’s vision that ‘together we make a positive difference’.

Our entire school community is wholly committed to creating an environment where everyone can shine. 

If you are unable to find what you are looking for here or require any more information, do please contact us.

“Teachers are well supported by leaders to support pupils with their behaviour… Teachers appreciate that leaders will listen to them. They say that leaders make sure that their workload is fair and reasonable.”

Ofsted June 2022 

Sarah Naylor

Head Teacher

Our Aims:

The aim of Netherhall Mead is to deliver education of the highest quality possible to children and young people by offering a wide range of motivating and relevant learning opportunities. Sixth formers participate in work experience preparing them for adult life as fulfilled and active citizens. An effective total communication environment is provided which ensures all pupils learn to communicate with others in a variety of ways. Learning opportunities are enhanced through physical activities and exploratory play in a colourful, safe and stimulating environment. The schools' collaboration with families, health service professionals and other partners increases its effectiveness in meeting a wide range of pupil needs.   

Netherhall Mead moved to an excellent new building in October 2014 situated next to Orchard Mead Academy, a mainstream secondary also in our family of schools. It provides spacious, calm learning spaces combined with specific facilities which meet the learning needs of our pupils.

The school facilities consist of;

• a multi-purpose hall for assemblies, music and drama productions and events, and physical education
• hydrotherapy pool with change facilities
• dedicated rooms for rebound therapy, regulation and intensive interaction
• an ICT suite
• medical, therapy and educational support staff areas
• easy access to the secondary school
• an extensive soft play area
• specialist room for food preparation
• safe outdoor play areas
• separate dining room and school kitchen
• staff room and staff workroom/resources area
• SMART boards in all classrooms
• ceiling mounted hoists where necessary in classrooms
• classrooms dedicated to Primary Department (Foundation and Key stages 1&2), Secondary (Key Stages 3&4) and Sixth Form (Post 16)
• conference and meeting rooms

Extensive use is made of local facilities, for example further education colleges, swimming pools and sports halls in leisure facilities and museums, theatres and other venues in the city.

Formed in 2014, The Mead Educational Trust (TMET) is a well-established, respected multi academy trust in Leicestershire with a growing partnership of primary and secondary schools.

The Mead Educational Trust exists to improve the life chances of children and young people. At the heart of all we do is a commitment to provide our academies access to a world-class education, excellent school-to-school support and to provide our staff with an employer keen to provide high quality professional development.

Our passionate and dedicated approach to education provides pupils with an exciting, engaging and high quality learning environment, developing our pupils into aspirational, capable and confident young adults and members of the community. We are committed to helping each of our academies to ensure that helps every pupil reach their fullest potential.

At the heart of our Trust is a group of carefully chosen trustees, leaders of education and key leaders within both the wider and business community. The carefully selected guardians of our Trust teamed with the effective business management systems that we operate enables us to keep exceptional education provision at our core.

Our Trustees, Staff and Pupils all work together to make a positive difference.

To find out more about TMET, and view all vacancies, please click here.