The Rehab Group has won a contract from the department of education in England to run three academy schools in the south west.

This is the first time the Irish organisation will enter supply mainstream education.

The three schools in Devon which are currently run by the local authority serve some 180 pupils aged between five and 16, who are deemed to need extra help to cope with behavioural, emotional and social problems.

The company’s chief executive, Angela Kerins, said Rehab placed “strong emphasis on supporting each individual to overcome any challenges they face, learn new skills and apply them to careers that suit their interests and abilities.”