News

We are thrilled to announce the successful opening of Hopescourt School, a new specialist free school dedicated to autistic children and children with communication and interaction needs. On Wednesday, September 4th, the school welcomed the first of its 77 new students across Years 7 to 10, supported by a new team of special educational needs professionals at its temporary site in West Molesey.

From the very first day, Hopescourt School has been alive with enthusiasm and positivity, and students are already benefiting from a rich and varied learning experience which fully aligns with the school’s vision and values.  Students are taking the transition in their stride; new friendships are already forming and the school is buzzing with activity.  The school's ethos of "Pause, Breathe, Think and Flourish" is evident both in and out of the classroom, creating a positive and nurturing environment.

Beyond the standard curriculum, students have also delighted in opportunities to engage in outdoor learning, music lessons, wellbeing sessions and yoga. Hopescourt School’s holistic approach aims to nurture not just academic growth, but also personal development and overall wellbeing.

In addition, the school has been pleased to welcome specialist resources to the team, including the school counsellor, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists.  This experienced, targeted support ensures that the school is able to deliver lessons that are matched to the students’ individual needs.

Headteacher, Alex Burrows said: “I have been thrilled to welcome our new students and staff to Hopescourt School, and to see how well our young people are settling in and embracing school life. It brings such joy to see the smiling faces and positive interactions between students and their peers and also with their teachers in these early days.”

The impact of Hopescourt School's approach is already shining through, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from both parents and students. One parent shared their child's excitement: "She was buzzing all the way home, telling me about the day, the friends she has made and the great teachers she has. She's really looking forward to coming back tomorrow."  Another added: "I just want to thank you for making him feel so welcome and a part of the school straight away. We couldn't have hoped for a better outcome on day one."

The successful opening of Hopescourt School marks the culmination of over 18 months of planning and development, in partnership with Surrey County Council, the Department for Education Regions Group and Freemantles School in Woking. Commissioned by Surrey County Council, the school is aligned with Surrey’s All-Age Autism Strategy 2021-2026, and the adopted Inclusion and Additional Needs Partnership Strategy 2023-2026, aimed at improving inclusion and outcomes for children with additional needs and disabilities in Surrey, ensuring they get the best possible education closer to home. 

While currently operating from a temporary site, Hopescourt School will relocate to its new, purpose built, permanent site in Walton-on-Thames once this has been completed in 2025. In the meantime, the success of the school’s first weeks of opening has laid a strong foundation for children to feel more included, to develop the skills to transition successfully into adulthood, and reach their full potential.