A free schools special school in Essex. Explore Ofsted ratings, admissions information, and performance data for The Hawthorns School.
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Welcome to The Hawthorns School, a school for autistic children in Chelmsford and part of the SEAX Multi Academy Trust. Headteacher Hayley Kersey emphasizes a warm, inclusive, child-centred approach, a purpose-built building opened in February 2025, wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum, and close collaboration with families.
The Hawthorns School admits children aged 7-16 with autism and complex learning difficulties; admission requires the local authority to name the school in the child’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The school opened in temporary accommodation in January 2023 with an initial cohort of 15 pupils; it expanded to 25 pupils from September 2023 and moved to Thornhurst Road in February 2025, reaching capacity of 70 day places and planning 10 residential places for KS3/KS4. The placement process involves attending a school tour, speaking with staff, researching the school, and an annual review and formal consultation papers issued by the SEND Operations Team, after which the final placement decision is made by the local authority.