There are 125 students aged nine to 16 currently studying at the school
Staff at Millgate School
A Leicester school is priding itself on being one of only six shortlisted for a special educational needs (SEN) award.
Millgate School has been recognised for its “outstanding support and provision for children and young people with complex learning, social, emotional, and mental health needs.”
The school that has been based in Scott Street, Leicester, for the past 70 years, is one of only six across the country to have been shortlisted in the SEN Provision Award category at the Education Business Awards 2026.
Millgate School is part of the Discovery Trust and is a specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. There are 125 students aged nine to 16 currently on roll.
Headteacher Louisa Robinson said the school is recognised for its strong pastoral care, ambitious curriculum, and deep focus on nurturing every child’s potential.
She added: “Our outcomes for children with EHCPs (Education, Health and Care Plans) academic achievement, personal growth, and attendance, set us apart from schools like ours nationally.”
On being put forward for the award, Miss Robinson said: “As a team, we are genuinely overwhelmed by this recognition. It reflects the dedication and hard work that goes into changing the lives of some of the most complex and disadvantaged students across Leicester city and the county.
“Millgate is much more than a school; our guiding tag of ‘my story, my voice and my future’ is embedded in everyday life for students, and our staff team are incredible.”
The school said a key factor in it’s success is its investment in staff development, noting “many teachers began their careers at Millgate as teaching assistants, highlighting the school’s commitment to nurturing talent and enabling staff to transform the lives of its students”.
Miss Robinson said: “We’ve been told that our shortlisting came about through research into what we do as a school, our success stories, and our consistently high academic outcomes.
“We are really proud of our committees which give our children opportunities to lead, plan and organise events throughout the year, improving both our school community and the wider city. Winning the Eco-Schools Award of the Year is just one example of the incredible impact our students make.”
The Education Business Awards celebrate excellence across the education sector, highlighting innovative initiatives, outstanding leadership, and exceptional provision. Winners are set to be revealed at Education Business LIVE, an exhibition and conference for education professionals, on Thursday, March 26 at Old Billingsgate, London.