Our Students

Churchill School caters for students aged between aged between 9 (year 5) and 18 (year 13) at the time of admission who are either of average or above average cognitive ability, this is the GCSE pathway, or are working 3 to 4 years below age related expectations, this is the Blenheim pathway.

In both pathways, students will have a primary diagnosis of autism and have also been diagnosed as having difficulties with speech, communication and literacy which are preventing them from learning in a mainstream setting.

The students’ needs may be complex, creating significant barriers to learning.

They may have associated behavioural difficulties, but they will not have moderate or severe social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties or moderate or severe learning difficulties (SLD) as part of their primary need.

Admissions

Each application is assessed on an individual basis. In each case, we take account of the needs of the individual child and consider whether the school would be suitable to meet their needs with particular reference to the following factors.

• Students aged between aged between 9 (year 5) and 18 (year 13) at the time of admission
• The student has the potential to access a mainstream curriculum either at age appropriate level for the GCSE pathway or are working at 3 to 4 years below age related expectations, this is the Blenheim pathway.
• Students will have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP), specifying that s/he has specific difficulties with language, interaction and communication or a diagnosis of autism.
• If you are applying for a post 16 placement, the post 16 pathways can be found on: https://www.churchillschool.co.uk/curriculum/careers/

Admissions Process

Parents and carers are advised to read the attached Admission Arrangements.

Applying for a Place

Our admissions procedures are as follows:

• An initial visit to the school by the young person’s parents/carers
• A referral from the Local Authority including detailed information about the young person
• An offer of a place to the Local Authority, if it is agreed a placement at Churchill School is appropriate
• An agreement by the Local Authority to fund the placement
• A transition plan including visits to the school.

If you think Churchill School could offer the right placement for your child, please contact us to arrange to visit the school. At the same time, you should inform your Local Authority of your interest.

All admissions will be processed through Suffolk Local Authority.

Appeals

Appeals will be to the First-tier Tribunal for statemented students. Parents whose children have special educational needs can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) against decisions made by Local Authorities in England about their children’s education. The application forms and guidance can be found on www.justice.gov.uk/tribunals/send.