About NCYPE

The NCYPE brings together experts from the fields of teaching, medical consultantancy, nursing, physical therapy, psychology and care to help each student it supports.

Of these students, around 200 young people attend the School and Further Education College at NCYPE. These young people suffer from severe forms of epilepsy and related neurological conditions resulting in a broad range of emotional and developmental problems. Difficult to control seizures, developmental delay, emotional and behavioural difficulties as well as learning and physical disabilities are common.

Around 70 children up to age 16 attend NCYPE's St Piers School. Each student enjoys a varied mixture of learning through individually tailored programmes - with access to the National Curriculum wherever possible.

At the charity's Further Education College the NCYPE works to enable disadvantaged young people to make the successful transition into adult life through the development of a balance of work, leisure and life skills. Opened in September 2000 the purpose-built FE centre offers courses in office skills, IT, land-based industries (animal care and horticulture), woodwork, metalwork and catering.

The majority of NCYPE students live in one of the 18 hostels within the 250-acre site. Some students require intensive staff assistance at all times, whilst others are more developed in their independence levels and need less support.

In partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital, NCYPE also offers a national epilepsy support and assessment service for young people with epilepsy across the UK.

The Epilepsy Resource Centre offers a programme of seminars and study days for parents, carers and professionals.

Our history

NCYPE was founded in Lingfield during the late 19th century, part of a flowering of organisations in many parts of the UK devoted to the care of those with severe disabilities. Victorian philanthropy was the founding principle of many of these organisations; over time, many developed unique expertise in certain areas which led to the creation of specialised services.