Aurora Eccles School

The school aims to provide a supportive environment where young people can achieve their potential and make informed choices about their lives. It strives to 'do different' by offering a unique approach to teaching that remains ambitious for every student, focusing on building positive relationships with students and their families.

The curriculum is informed by the national curriculum and includes core subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and humanities, alongside specialist subjects like computing, ICT, art, multimedia, and design and technology. Students also participate in 'life skills' development, including cookery, gardening, and construction. Older students have the option to complete the ASDAN Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE), which develops skills in teamwork, problem-solving, research, and self-management.

The school provides integrated therapeutic interventions, including speech and language therapy and occupational therapy, delivered by an on-site clinical team and visiting specialists. These interventions are integrated into the classroom experience on a one-to-one, small group, or whole-class basis to help students overcome barriers to participation in education.

The school operates an open-door policy and involves families throughout the placement process. Prospective families must submit a referral form along with the student's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Following an initial enquiry, the school arranges an on-site assessment and may conduct outreach visits to the student's current provider to ensure the school is a suitable fit before applying for local authority or Clinical Commissioning Group funding.

Term dates for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 academic years are available on the school's website.

Set on a 34-acre site, the campus includes science laboratories, a music room, a cookery room, and art and technology studios. Sports and recreation facilities feature an indoor swimming pool, a large sports field, an activity centre, and a climbing wall. The grounds also contain private woodland used for outdoor learning.

Students participate in a range of individual and team sports, with regular inter-house and external fixtures. The school offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for students from Year 10 onwards and provides an Outdoor and Woodland Learning (OWLs) programme, which includes adventurous activities led by qualified Forest School practitioners. Additionally, students engage in school trips, community projects, and 'life skills' development classes.