
Aurora Vincent House School
Part of The Aurora Group, Founded 2025
Updated July 2026
Aurora Vincent House School is a specialist independent day school in Horsham providing academic and therapeutic provision for neurodivergent young people aged 11 to 16. It is designed to support students who have struggled in mainstream education, including those with sensory needs or social, emotional, and mental health difficulties.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
Aurora Vincent House School is a neuro-informed and neuro-affirmative provision that prioritises emotional regulation and student agency. It aims to foster intrinsic motivation by utilising students' special interests to engage them in their studies. The school's mission is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, supporting their transformation into independent young adults through a holistic approach that values health and wellbeing.
Programmes
The school offers a bespoke curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4, tailored to individual learning needs and personal goals. Students have access to a range of academic and vocational qualifications, including GCSE courses, Entry Level qualifications, and employability programmes. The curriculum is flexible, allowing for increased focus on specific subjects or projects, such as media or art, to improve student engagement and wellbeing.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides an integrated therapeutic approach, with a core team including a clinical psychologist, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists. This team works directly with teaching staff to embed therapeutic practices into the curriculum. The school maintains a high staff-to-student ratio and small class sizes to support students with neurodivergent needs, sensory requirements, and social, emotional, or mental health difficulties.
Tuition & fees
No published fee schedule was found for this school.
Admissions
The school operates an open-door policy and works in partnership with families and local authorities to secure placements. Prospective families must submit a referral form and the student's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to initiate the process. Following an initial enquiry, the school conducts an on-site assessment and may perform outreach visits to the student's current provider to ensure the school is a suitable fit before a formal consultation and funding application are made.
Calendar
The school provides term dates for the 2025-26 academic year, which are available to parents and carers via the school's website.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in a renovated building in Horsham, the school features a Multi-Use Games Area for sports like netball, football, and tennis, as well as access to a gym and local swimming facilities. Specialist learning spaces include a GCSE-level science laboratory, a food technology room, and dedicated areas for art and horticulture. The environment is designed to minimise sensory stimulation, with a sensory room available for relaxation and regulation.
Co-curriculars
Students participate in a variety of after-school clubs and community engagement events, including family days and activities with other SEND schools. The school also organises regular outdoor trips to parks, nature reserves, and residential stays, alongside adventurous activities such as go-karting. Physical activity is supported through sports, swimming, and animal-assisted activities, including interaction with a therapy dog and farm visits.
- Kelvin DonaldCEO of The Aurora Group
As CEO of The Aurora Group, Kelvin Donald oversees the organization's specialist schools, which are dedicated to helping young people with SEND achieve their potential.
- Sharon PearsonChief Operating Officer / Chair for the Proprietor
Sharon Pearson serves as the Chief Operating Officer for The Aurora Group, having previously held the position of Operations Director (North). She is responsible for national operations across schools, colleges, and residential services and also serves as the Chair for the Proprietor.
Mark CostelloPrincipal at Aurora FoxesMark Costello is the Principal at Aurora Foxes. He is a passionate advocate for changing perceptions regarding the employment of people with learning disabilities and frequently represents the school at industry events.
- Julie SadlerHeadteacher
Julie Sadler is the Headteacher of Aurora Vincent House School.
- Tom HindHeadteacher
Tom Hind is the Headteacher of Aurora Cedars School. He is dedicated to delivering personalised learning experiences and supporting the personal development of pupils with SEND.
- Susie PalmerHead of Pastoral Care
Susie Palmer is the Head of Pastoral Care at Aurora Foxes. She is a member of the therapy team, which has received national recognition for its work in supporting students.