The Watkin
The key details
Address: Claverton Road, Wythenshawe, M23 9TT
​Phone number: 0330 118 0974
Head of School: Daley Adebowale
Assistant Head of School: Emma Bowater
Executive Headteacher: Natalie Ogden
Acting Executive Headteacher: Catherine Donnelly
Designated Safeguarding Lead: Rebecca Moseley
Key Stages offered: Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4
​
Note: The Watkin has moved location as of September 2025. Kershaw Wood Manchester now occupies its old home in Northenden.
.png)
Our school
The Watkin is a specialist provision in Wythenshawe, Manchester, supporting autistic students as well as those with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and other specific requirements.
​
Currently located on two floors, the school offers learners aged 11-16 (Key Stage 3 and 4) a nurturing and structured environment for predominantly male students, with a smaller number of female students. Our focus is on delivering tailored support including strong pastoral care and staff relationships, to promote academic, social and emotional growth.
​
It also now houses an indoor and outdoor gym, a library and a sensory room is under construction for the 2026/27 academic year.
The Watkin has recently introduced a new gym to support emotional regulation, routine and physical health
​The school adapts the National Curriculum to meet student’s individual needs, focusing on developing skills for life beyond school, furthermore, helping students overcome barriers to learning such as school avoidance and disengagement to learning and to achieve their full potential.
The school works closely with families, external agencies and professionals to ensure a collaborative to student support.
The school is led by Head of School supported by Designated Safeguard Lead (DSL) and overseen by an Executive Headteacher who provides strategic guidance and support.