Aurora Vincent House (Independent Special School – West Sussex)

About

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A brand new specialist education provision offering therapeutic support with a focus on emotional wellbeing in a nurturing environment for young people aged 11-16 with communication difficulties typically associated with Autism Spectrum Conditions. Aurora Vincent House School is a specialist school located in the heart of Horsham, opening in 2025. We adopt a neurodiversity affirmative approach to create a welcoming community and a positive experience for all of our students so they have the confidence to be who they are. Many young people coming to us would have struggled to navigate a mainstream education and some may have even missed time in school. We focus on addressing their individual barriers which may include a range of sensory needs or mild to moderate social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Safeguarding is our priority and all students are viewed and supported holistically with their health and wellbeing central to everything we do. Our mission at Aurora Vincent House School is to prepare our students for life beyond school and support their transformation into independent young adults. Therefore, we aim to offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and employability programmes, ensuring that by the time our students leave, they are equipped with the skills, experience, and opportunities they need to succeed in further education, training, or employment.

What we do

• Our curriculum: We will provide each student with a tailored learning programme based on their baseline assessment, previous academic performance, and long-term learning goals. Our curriculum follows a multi-disciplinary model in school encouraging students to make choices about their programmes with input from their families and external professionals. Students will receive support in developing essential independent life skills, including financial planning and budgeting, meal planning and preparation, and independent travel.
• Supporting learning: In addition to our academic and life skills programmes, all students learn strategies for self- regulation and managing challenging situations. Our onsite clinical team includes a Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, and Thrive Practitioners. With additional support from visiting clinicians, we offer a wide range of therapeutic interventions.

Age range

11-16

Wheelchair accessible

Yes

Free to use

Yes

Requires referral

Yes

Requires application

Yes