The Rise School

The school’s values are centered on the principles of 'Be Kind', 'Be Proud', and 'Be Resilient'. Its core purpose is to prepare pupils for the next stages of their lives and for success beyond school, ensuring they gain both academic qualifications and the social skills required to access further education or employment.

The curriculum is broadly similar to that of mainstream schools, covering subjects including English, maths, science, history, ICT, physical education, and food technology. Primary pupils follow the Read Write Inc Phonics and Ruth Miskin Literacy and Language programmes, while secondary pupils transition between specialist rooms for subject-specific lessons. The school also offers a bespoke computing curriculum and a PSHE programme titled 'Weaving Wellbeing', which utilizes positive psychology to support mental health.

The school places equal priority on academic and social outcomes, aiming to provide pupils with the qualifications and skill-set necessary for further education or employment. Pupils are prepared to be active participants in society, with opportunities to sit GCSE examinations in subjects such as history. The school was rated 'good' overall by Ofsted in 2024.

The school employs a full-time Speech and Language Therapist and an Occupational Therapist to support the needs of its cohort. Pupils access the curriculum in small class groups of 8-10 students, and the school provides weekly yoga and wellbeing sessions. The curriculum also includes a dedicated social curriculum, which is considered a core subject essential for holistic development.

Admissions are managed by local authorities, and all prospective pupils must have a primary diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and an Education, Health and Care Plan. The process involves an initial enquiry, an observation of the pupil in core subject lessons, and a subsequent three-day assessment period. Following this, the school makes a recommendation to the local authority regarding whether it can meet the pupil's individual needs.

The school operates a 32.5-hour compulsory school week, with the day beginning at 8:30 am and ending at 3:00 pm. The academic year is divided into three terms—Autumn, Spring, and Summer—with half-term breaks and designated INSET days when the school is closed to pupils. Sixth Form learners follow a similar term structure, with specific induction and course completion dates aligned with West Thames College.

The school operates across two sites: a primary and secondary campus in Feltham and a Sixth Form site in Isleworth. Facilities at the Feltham site include fully equipped classrooms, a science laboratory, an ICT room, a food technology kitchen, and a gym. Additionally, the campus features sensory rooms, soft-play rooms, a wellbeing garden, and outdoor playgrounds.