Education Services

Small class sizes enable us to support each student to achieve their true potential. Classes are much smaller than mainstream schools and typically have no more than eight pupils. This means that our young people have substantial time with staff members, who are able to provide the more intensive support that helps them to quickly achieve and make progress. We have high staff to student ratios and some of our young people are supported on a one-to-one basis. The classes also make possible the highly personalised learning we deliver, tailored to meet the individual needs of each student.

Roehampton Gate School provides a differentiated curriculum which has been specifically developed for our children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This ensures a balance of academic learning, social and emotional development and skills for life. The broad curriculum is designed to engage and encourage students to be involved in their learning, with particular attention given to the specific learning needs associated with our young peoples’ conditions.

We are ambitious for our young people and all students have the opportunity to study for a range of qualifications, including GCSEs, functional skills and vocational qualifications. It is important to us that we engage our young people and support them in pursuing their areas of academic interest, even if these fall outside of the mainstream core subjects traditionally offered by schools. We are committed to providing a diverse range of learning opportunities to meet diverse needs.

For students who find learning more challenging, we offer an alternative curriculum pathway which consists of project-based learning, life skills and preparation for adulthood. This pathway prepares students for college, the world of work and greater independence during adulthood.

The school has a strong focus on the Social, Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) and the Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) development of our young people. Prioritising this aspect of personal learning helps young people to thrive at Roehampton Gate School, building self-esteem, confidence and resilience. Our aim is that they leave our school with the ability to manage the challenges their autism can present and with a strong belief in themselves.

Young people participate in lessons that challenge them to think about themselves and the world they live in. They engage in SMSC lessons to assist in development of emotional literacy and learning of ways to maintain positive wellbeing.

Developing the skills for independent living is an integral part of our school’s curriculum. From the very start of their time with us, children learn in the community, building confidence and social skills in a safe and supported way.

Therapy is also integrated into each student’s daily learning and plays a crucial role in their emotional and social development. They receive a bespoke package of therapeutic support and have access to a wide range of services including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and counselling.

The educational facilities at Roehampton Gate School have been purpose-built for children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder. Everything has been designed with our students in mind, from the simple school layout to the comfortable, low arousal learning spaces. The school purposely caters for a small number of students to ensure a quiet environment for those with high anxiety.

Roehampton Gate School has modern, spacious, bright and well-equipped classrooms and shared spaces, including specialist learning areas for Food Technology, Science, Art and Design, I.T. and Technology. Students have access to a fully-equipped therapy suite and sensory room.

The school benefits from extensive grounds which include a basketball court, tennis courts and an outdoor gym. Our location is only a short walk from Richmond Park, with its wide open spaces and herds of deer, and we are able to base some of our outdoor learning in this beautiful environment. We also have easy access to London and make the most of the life enriching learning opportunities the city offers, including world class museums and art galleries.

The decision about what and where to study after the age of 16 years can seem overwhelming for any young person. Roehampton Gate School makes the process easier by providing young people with expert advice about the range of courses and options available to them. We offer targeted careers advice for our young people, as well as support from an Occupational Therapist.

Our Careers and Work Experience Co-ordinator carefully tailors work experience placements for each young person,identifying opportunities which we believe the student will enjoy, where they will feel comfortable and which will help them to progress towards their long-term goals.