How we know it works

Lighthouse School is focused on supporting our students to achieve a bright future. This underpins everything we do. All students who have graduated from Lighthouse School are currently not classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training). This compares to an estimated 23% of autistic 16-24 year olds in the wider population.

We know our students thrive in our setting, but we are keenly aware that the wider world is not as well-suited to autistic people. The wider world does not always have highly-trained and specialised staff, nor low-sensory calm rooms, available at all times. This is why we focus on independence, transitions, and generalising soft-skills – so that there isn’t a ‘cliff-edge’ when students leave Lighthouse School. Below are some case studies from previous students who graduated from our school and are now achieving great things. We are proud of everyone one of our former students and the young adults they have grown into.

Case Studies

Student A

Student A joined Lighthouse School in Year 7 with significant gaps in their learning. They weren’t able to write their own name and had difficulty reading.

Student A initially disengaged from learning (frustrated at their own difficulties), but with targeted support and bespoke interventions was able to access learning more consistently. Beyond the curriculum, Student A received weekly wellbeing interventions, additional learning support interventions, and daily reading (Alpha and Omega) interventions.

Following the additional support, and Student A’s determination, they were able to leave Lighthouse with: GCSE Citizenship – Grade 4 Functional Skills Entry Level 1 Certificate in English – Pass, Functional Skills Entry Level 2 Certificate in Maths - Pass, Entry Level 2 Certificate in Science – Pass, Functional Skills Entry Level 2 Certificate in ICT – Pass, BTEC Creative Media Production Level 1 Award – Pass, BTEC Digital Media Level 1 Certificate – Pass,

Alongside their studies in school, Student A accessed group work experience opportunities which really helped them develop in confidence and explore their next steps.

Student A now attends a Supported Internship programme with a neighbouring college and charity, which they are enjoying.

Parent says: I’m so very proud of A and how Lighthouse School helped him reach these achievements.

Student T

Student T had had a very negative experience of education prior to joining Lighthouse School. This included bullying and long periods of absence.

Student T required significant support with their mental health, and was provided with twice weekly mentoring, as well as external support. This allowed Student T to access learning and make huge progress.

Following their raised ambitions, impartial advice and guidance and careers experiences, Student T identified a specific college course they wanted as their next step. A bespoke package of learning was introduced to support them in accessing this course to meet their ambitions.

Student T was able to achieve: GCSE English Literature – Grade 5 GCSE English Language – Grade 3 GCSE Maths – Grade 4 GCSE Citizenship – Grade 7 BTEC in Digital Media Level 1 Certificate - Distinction Cambridge Technical Extended Level 2 Certificate in Science – Pass

There were successful in enrolling onto their chosen Further Education college course and have settled in brilliantly. They travel to college independently and are described as a model student with a clear progression pathway in their studies into Higher Education.

We love hearing from Student T - they are such a great role model for their peers!

Students says: ‘Upon joining this school, I’ve gained many friends for life and gained myself the motivation to be more ambitious in life and frankly braver in my future endeavours. I simply thank those who worked closest to me at my time there’