Acorn Park School
Part of Outcomes First Group
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
National Curriculum (England)Acorn Park School is an independent special school providing specialist education for autistic young people aged 4 to 19.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school’s ethos is centered on placing young people at the heart of its operations, with a vision to ensure every child is safe, nurtured, and supported to succeed. It aims to empower students to reach their full potential, fostering independence, self-understanding, and emotional regulation. The approach builds on individual strengths and celebrates achievements to help students live fulfilling and productive lives.
Programmes
The school offers a bespoke, autism-specific curriculum designed to meet individual learning, communication, and social needs. The academic provision is divided into formal and semi-formal pathways, with the formal pathway following the National Curriculum. The curriculum includes opportunities for accredited learning and work experience, while emphasizing the development of personal, social, and practical skills for later life.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs a dedicated Student, Welfare, Integration, Family Team (SWIFT) to support the wellbeing and integration of learners and their families. Additionally, a Family Outreach Team provides home and community support, including parenting courses, group meetings, and training. An on-site team of therapists works alongside educators to provide clinical therapy and support for communication, sensory processing, and social skills.
Frequently asked questions(3)
- What curriculum does Acorn Park School offer?
- Acorn Park School offers National Curriculum (England).
- What ages does Acorn Park School teach?
- Acorn Park School enrolls students aged 4 to 19.
- Where is Acorn Park School located?
- Acorn Park School is an international school in Norwich, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
Acorn Park School accepts referrals for children and young people aged 4 to 19 who hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and have a primary diagnosis of autism or associated traits. The admissions process begins with a review of paperwork by school leaders, followed by an assessment of the child at their home or current school. If the school can meet the child's needs, a tailored visit is offered, and a formal offer letter is subsequently sent to the local authority. A post-admission review is conducted within the first 12 weeks of the placement.
About the campus
The school is situated on a 37-acre private estate, providing a holistic environment for learning and play. The campus features well-resourced classrooms designed with small class sizes to support the specific needs of the students. The facilities are managed with a focus on compliance, health, and safety to ensure a secure setting for all pupils.
- Emma WillisActing Co-Headteacher
Emma joined Acorn Park in 2007 as a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant and has since held various positions within the school. Following 7 years within the Senior Leadership team, she is now Acting Co-Headteacher, where she leads the formal pathway and is dedicated to the academic journey and quality of education.
- Adam MastersonActing Co-Headteacher
Adam joined Acorn Park in 2014 as a class teacher and has held various roles within the school. After 5 years on the Senior Leadership team, he is now Acting Co-Headteacher, with a passion for supporting the needs of autistic students and planning for their future.
- Karen McAtearDeputy Headteacher (Formal Pathway)
Karen McAtear is a member of the Education Leadership Team.
- Sarah ShortDeputy Headteacher (Semi-Formal Pathway)
Sarah Short is a member of the Education Leadership Team.
- Aziza PaylorAssistant Headteacher (Whole School Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting)
Aziza Paylor is a member of the Education Leadership Team.
- Emma ThompsonAssistant Headteacher (Whole School Quality and Compliance)
Emma Thompson is a member of the Education Leadership Team.
- Georgeena TaylorTherapy and Wellbeing Lead and Occupational Therapy Lead
Georgeena started at Acorn Park in 2022 as a Specialist Occupational Therapist and now leads the therapy team. She holds Advanced Sensory Integration Practitioner status and uses her clinical background to support the unique sensory profiles of the young people.