Welcome to Lady Zia Wernher School

Lady Zia Wernher school is a special place of learning to enable pupil voice, curiosity, independence and happiness for today and tomorrow.

Our values are happiness, independence, curiosity, passion, creativity & respect.

It is a maintained Luton community special school educating children in EYFS, KS1&2. Education at LZW school commenced in Stopsley LU2 9AY in 1964. Stopsley is 2 miles from the Bedfordshire/ Hertfordshire border. September 2023 we expanded to a 2nd site on Strangers Way, Leagrave LU4 9ND, close to M1 junction 11 and L&D hospital.

The expansion is a local authority response to the growing numbers of children with SEND requiring special school places locally. Both sites have the same curriculum offer. LZW Leagrave is still under construction, with most specialist rooms due for completion in Summer holidays, 2025. Children will be placed at either venue, key criteria will be reducing travel times and shorter distance to each site.

All children attending the school have severe or profound learning difficulties. Additional pupil need’s can include physical, sensory and communication impairment, autistic spectrum disorder and/ or complex medical needs. 

LZW School will admit a pupil where they are named in a Local Authority (LA) Education Health Care Plan (EHCP). The LA will have consulted with the school in line with their statutory obligations to ensure the placement is appropriate to the needs of the child.

On rare occasions a child may be placed at LZW school whilst an assessment for an EHC Plan is carried out; this will only occur following a request from the Special Educational Needs & Disability Assessment Team (SENDAT).

At Lady Zia Wernher School we aim to enable all to be the best they can be and to improve and impact lives. Our curriculum offers pupils engagement in differentiated teaching and learning supporting pupil progress and achievement. We celebrate success at all levels of education, equipping children for the next steps in life. A child’s family is fundamental to their progress and successful learning, this is most effective when the school, professionals and families work in partnership. 

Our website aims to guide parents, visitors and professionals to a good understanding of Lady Zia Wernher School, we hope you will get a good idea of who we are and what we offer.

Hilary Davies
Head teacher