The DEN consists of two psychologists, an occupational therapist and privately hired tutors. The department is under the direction of the Head of Exceptional Needs and it offers its services across the whole range of pupil ability in areas of strengths and difficulties.

The DEN is available to support students, teachers and parents. It offers the services of assessment, diagnoses, counselling and design of individual education plans. Special intervention can be provided either on a one-to-one basis, in small groups or in the classroom.

Children referred to the DEN include:

• students who are gifted in a particular area, with specific needs
• students who are not working to their full potential
• students who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties
• students who have a learning disability

At the beginning of the year (and indeed throughout the year) teachers have meetings with the DEN Coordinator to discuss current pupils on the DEN register.