Dovecote School

The school follows a therapeutic, trauma-informed ethos centered on the Thrive approach, which prioritizes emotional safety, regulation, and the development of social skills before academic demand. It views behaviour as communication and focuses on building resilience, independence, and confidence. The school aims to prepare students for life beyond education by fostering practical life skills and promoting the five key British values.

The curriculum is divided into three phases: Phase 1 (Settling, Safety and Engagement) focuses on play-based, interactive foundations; Phase 2 (Exploration and Development) follows a structured National Curriculum; and Phase 3 (Qualifications and Preparation for Adulthood) focuses on independence and accredited qualifications. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, PSHE, Humanities, Art, Design Technology, Computing, and PE. The school offers a wide range of qualifications, including GCSEs in subjects such as English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Art, and Design Technology, as well as vocational awards in Animal Care, Home Cooking, and Creative iMedia.

Success is measured by progress from each student’s individual starting point, focusing on emotional regulation, increased attendance, and improved self-advocacy. Academic outcomes include a range of qualifications such as GCSEs, iGCSEs, BTECs, Functional Skills, and Entry Level certificates. In the 2023/2024 academic year, 89.8% of students achieved grades 9-4 in GCSEs, with a 100% pass rate across all subjects.

The school provides a therapeutic, needs-led provision with high staff-to-student ratios, with classes limited to no more than eight students. An in-house team of specialists—including Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), Occupational Therapists (OT), a wellbeing and play practitioner, an Art therapist, and Thrive practitioners—delivers integrated support. Therapeutic LSAs provide 1:1 interventions, and the school offers dyslexia screening and support alongside tailored emotional regulation strategies.

Prospective families are encouraged to contact the school’s Referral, Assessment and Transition Coordinator to discuss the admission process, arrange a visit, or attend an open morning. The school caters to students aged 5-18 years who have a primary diagnosis of autism, often with associated needs such as ADHD, PDA, OCD, dyslexia, and communication difficulties. Admissions are determined by developmental readiness rather than age alone, with a focus on ensuring the school’s therapeutic, needs-led provision aligns with the requirements outlined in a student’s Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP).

The school operates on a term-time basis, with the school day running from 8:50am to 3:00pm. The academic year includes regular opportunities for reflection and transition, with specific term dates and events published in the parents' calendar.

The campus features small-scale learning communities, a dedicated sensory room, and an enclosed outdoor play area. The school grounds include a farm with animals, horticulture areas, forest school facilities, and outdoor play equipment such as swings and climbing areas. The Church Farm site, located a short walk from the main school, provides an upper school learning hub with an open-access kitchen, a pool room, and a library/dining area. Additionally, the school operates the Giggling Goat Coffee House, which serves as a practical space for students to gain work experience.

Students have access to a variety of optional lunchtime clubs, which may include football, nature watch, and board games. Enrichment opportunities are integrated into the curriculum and include off-site trips, outdoor education, adventure education, and theme days. Students also participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) and the Arts Award (Bronze and Silver).