Where Learning Comes to Life

Holbrook School for Autism is a specialist school for children and young people with autism and learning disabilities, in Holbrook village near Belper. Part of the Esteem Multi-Academy Trust, we provide places for students aged 4 to 19 who live in Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire. We have a residential provision and a hub for primary aged, average ability students with autism. We are a split-site school with our 14-19 department located in Belper.

Our school motto is ‘where learning comes to life.’ Through a relevant, exciting, and challenging curriculum, students learn skills for life building on their interests and gaining independence. We believe that each student is individual and have their own unique skills, interests and talents which should be nurtured and encouraged. We have the highest expectations and aspirations for all of our students so that when the time comes, they are confident and ready to take their next steps in life.

‘Holbrook is an amazing school that caters for all levels of ability. My son’s needs are very high, and he has made so much progress since he started.’

Our forest school site is used solely for its purpose so is a safe, secure, resource filled environment that is dedicated to providing our students with the space and freedom to explore, discover, learn and to find calm.

We provide our students with a safe and stimulating environment that builds on each individual’s needs and interests.

Post 16 students can work towards a variety of qualifications to support preparation for adult life and transition.

There is a strong emphasis on our students enjoying their journey to becoming more independent, both within residential and out in the wider community.

What is Autism?

Find out more about autism by watching the National Autistic Society’s short film

What is autism

Headteacher Welcome

On behalf of the students, staff and governors of Holbrook School for Autism I would like to welcome you to our website. I hope that it will provide you with the information you need whilst giving you an enjoyable glimpse into the life of our wonderful school.

Holbrook School for Autism forms part of the Esteem Multi-academy trust, we are a specialist provision for children and young people with autism. We cater for children and young people aged 4-19 years with a range of abilities and differences associated with their autism, all of our students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school is located over two different sites in Holbrook and Belper. The school also has a good residential provision that provides continued education for up to 28 students who stay for 1 night per week during term time

Our school is a welcoming community where everyone should feel safe, secure, valued and respected and where we have a shared commitment to providing the best possible learning opportunities for every student.

Our students are taught and supported by a team of caring, friendly and dedicated staff who are trained in a range of autism-specific approaches and strategies. All of our students have access to an autism-specific environment with a range of specialist facilities and activities available to support different aspects of their learning and development. At Holbrook School for Autism, we are committed to developing the whole child, not just their academic ability.

For our students to achieve their goals and for the school to continue to grow and succeed, we need to work closely with parents, carers and our multi-agency colleagues to develop our ‘understanding’, expertise and specialism.

I feel very proud to be the Headteacher of Holbrook School for Autism and I hope that you can see why whilst visiting our website. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

I shall look forward to meeting and working with you.

Sam Bayliss
Headteacher