Welcome from the Principal

Our Independent Day and Residential School provides a unique environment of high-quality, evidence-informed education, nurturing and care to young people with autism aged 4-19 whom may have additional learning difficulties and behaviours that challenge. We offer a comprehensive programme of support that ensures that all of our pupils’ individual needs are met through highly personalised learning.

We are privileged to benefit from a truly wonderful location. Our school is housed in stunning Grade II* listed buildings, part of historic Abbey Square in the heart of the beautiful city of Chester. Our fantastic team of architects have designed us a well-equipped and high-tech learning environment whilst maintaining the beauty of the buildings and surroundings for our pupils to enjoy.

We make full use of our environment and location with a creatively designed curriculum that includes focused learning and enrichment activities that support wellbeing. This enables all of our young people to experience growth, development and success along with community presence and inclusion.

Our highly skilled and specialist staff team includes teachers, learning and behaviour specialists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. This transdisciplinary focus ensures that each pupil’s individual needs are understood, accurately planned for and closely monitored as part of day-to-day school practice.

I am extremely proud to be the Principal of Abbey School, a place where pupil-centred practice is the norm and where the voice of the young people we support and their families is central to all that we do. It really is a very special place to work and learn. I hope that you enjoy looking through our prospectus which gives just a taste of what our school has to offer. The best way to find out more about life at Abbey School is to get in touch for a conversation or a visit. We look forward to welcoming you to our school community.

Dr. Katy Lee (Abbey School Principal)

Testimonials

Local Authority

“I just wanted to take a minute to pass on some feedback on today’s EHCP meeting for [pupil]. I think it was the best EHCP review I have ever attended for a child! It was so lovely to see [pupil] both in the meeting and in all the photos and videos you had prepared. It was incredibly child-centred and kept us all focussed on the positive progress [pupil] is making at Abbey School. I came out of the meeting smiling and I’m sure parents did too.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“I can’t believe the change in our daughter in just a few short weeks. The relief for our family is immense to be certain that she is finally in a place that truly understands her.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“This is the 7th school that our son has attended and each placement has broken down. He is absolutely thriving at Abbey School and has made more progress this term than he has in the past six years.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Our son is so much happier and content since starting at Abbey School. Recently we have been able to take him and his sister out for the afternoon together. Using the strategies you have given us, he was able to wait and follow simple instructions. We can finally enjoy some time together as a family.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“We are just amazed at how our daughter has changed in a few short weeks from being a very sad, angry little girl, to the calm, happy and chatty girl we see today – we can’t thank you enough!”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“5 star reviews all round. Thank you ever so much for supporting our child!”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Thank you for making us the happiest and luckiest people to access your gorgeous, amazing school. We are very privileged and still in disbelief about how much this school is going to make a difference to our lives. We are truly blessed!”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“I can’t get over how much you all do for our child. Nowhere has taken all of their needs into consideration like this before and you’re all trying things to support them that nobody else has ever bothered with and you can just see how much their confidence has improved.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Our son finally has a class team around him that truly understand him.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“We are absolutely delighted and proud of how our son has settled into his new environment.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Abbey school is not just a school – it’s a family who support the child and the family together.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“I just say how pleased we are with everything. Your staff are amazing, our son loves them and as you know he never wants to leave. The setting is fantastic, I feel totally privileged that my son is part of your school.”

Parent of Abbey School Pupil

“Your autism experience is immense, our son is happy and safe staying at the Green and is becoming more independent. Thanks for all your hard work caring for him, as a mum this is a huge relief to know he’s got a great team around him at the Green!”