Hope Tree School

A school in South Cambridgeshire for autistic girls between the ages of 7 and 16

Admissions

Applications for a place at Hope Tree School will be considered at any time of year. Admission to the school is subject to there being a place available within an appropriate cohort of students.

Current Availability of Pupil Places

Year 3Places Available
Year 4Places Available
Year 5Places Available
Year 6Limited Availability
Year 7Limited Availability
Year 8Limited Availability
Year 9Limited Availability
Year 10No Current Cohort
Year 11No Current Cohort

In accordance with the Children and Families Act 2014, all applicants are carefully considered to ensure that:

  • the school is suitable for the young person’s age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs.
  • the placement is compatible with the provision of efficient education for other students already attending the school, and the efficient use of resources.
  • No applicants will be treated less favourably during the admissions process on the grounds of race, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. 

All young people admitted to Hope Tree School:

  • Have a primary diagnosis of Autism
  • May have an Education, Health and Care Plan
  • Are aged between 7 – 16

Additional Information:

  • The school offers a mainstream curriculum and all students will have a cognitive assessment supporting the need for a mainstream curriculum.
  • Many students will display atypical learning styles and uneven (spiky) profiles of cognitive strengths and difficulties.
  • Many students will have a range of needs that are directly linked to their autism,   e.g. inflexible thinking patterns, social communication and interaction difficulties, emotional dysregulation and sensory difficulties.
  • All students will have needs and ability profiles that are compatible with an appropriate key stage peer group
  • Some students may present with additional medical conditions including mental health difficulties.
  • The school reserves the right to decide whether any additional needs can reasonably be managed safely and effectively within its existing resources.
  • Any student who has a history of absconding will need a full risk assessment before being admitted to the school.
  • The school will accept students that are privately funded by parents, trusts and other funding bodies.
  • Any student admitted must have the support of parents/carers.

For those students with a primary diagnosis of Autism the assessment must have been carried out by a statutory provider, e.g. NHS, Paediatrician, Educational Psychologist, or an independent assessment carried out in accordance with NICE guidelines.

Most referrals are made by local authorities, but in some cases begin as parental enquiries. We encourage parents to visit the school as part of their search for an appropriate placement for their child. All visits to the school can be made by contacting admin@hopetreeschool.co.uk