Holbrook School for Autism

Welcome to Holbrook School for Autism and thank you for your interest in our Academy.

Holbrook School for Autism provides specialist education and care for students with a diagnosis of autism aged 4-19, split over two sites in Holbrook and Belper; there are currently 132 students on roll. We also have a residential facility based at the Holbrook site that provides accommodation for up to 28 students a week, 7 per night, Monday to Thursday term time only.

The main cohort of our students have autism with profound learning difficulties and can present extremely challenging behaviour. The academy practices ‘Team Teach’, a holistic approach to behaviour support and interventions.

Based in a rural area, Holbrook site has expansive grounds housing specialist climbing equipment for the younger students, trampolines and outdoor gym equipment. It also has access to a wooded area enabling us to provide Forest Schools. 

In addition to the main school, we also have a provision known as ‘The Hub’, which supports primary aged students with autism who can be working at age-related expectations. These students are currently unable to access mainstream school due to complex needs and behaviours and may have additional mental health needs.

The Belper site accommodates four classes of students aged 14-19. The town location allows for community cohesion, work experience opportunities and has good access links enabling students to participate in travel training.

We provide a personalised curriculum, designed to address the holistic needs of our students. Students have identified differentiation as part of their ‘My Plan’ and individual timetables as appropriate, as well as working on the key skills of literacy, numeracy, and all the national curriculum subjects.

Every autistic child and young person at Holbrook has individual needs and abilities. As a staff team, we are passionate about working with students with autism, enabling our students to overcome challenges and make the most of life’s opportunities by preparing and supporting each one of them to be active citizens in the wider community.

As Headteacher, I am committed to promoting emotional wellbeing and positive mental health, we embed a culture which values the happiness and emotional welfare of all our students, staff, parents, and stakeholders. We were awarded the Wellbeing Award for Schools which recognised the fantastic work we do as a school.

Further information about our academy can be found on the website at www.holbrookautism.derbyshire.sch.uk

Yours faithfully,

Sam Bayliss

Headteacher

Holbrook School for Autism