Where Learning Comes to Life

Holbrook School for Autism is a specialist school for children and young people with autism and learning disabilities, in Holbrook village near Belper. Part of the Esteem Multi-Academy Trust, we provide places for students aged 4 to 19 who live in Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire. We have a residential provision and a hub for primary aged, average ability students with autism. We are a split-site school with our 14-19 department located in Belper.

Our school motto is ‘where learning comes to life.’ Through a relevant, exciting, and challenging curriculum, students learn skills for life building on their interests and gaining independence. We believe that each student is individual and have their own unique skills, interests and talents which should be nurtured and encouraged. We have the highest expectations and aspirations for all of our students so that when the time comes, they are confident and ready to take their next steps in life.

‘Holbrook is an amazing school that caters for all levels of ability. My son’s needs are very high, and he has made so much progress since he started.’

Our forest school site is used solely for its purpose so is a safe, secure, resource filled environment that is dedicated to providing our students with the space and freedom to explore, discover, learn and to find calm.

We provide our students with a safe and stimulating environment that builds on each individual’s needs and interests.

Post 16 students can work towards a variety of qualifications to support preparation for adult life and transition.

There is a strong emphasis on our students enjoying their journey to becoming more independent, both within residential and out in the wider community.

What is Autism?

Find out more about autism by watching the National Autistic Society’s short film

What is autism

Co-Headteachers Welcome

A very warm welcome to Holbrook School for Autism, and thank you for visiting our website.

At Holbrook School for Autism, we are proud to be Co-Headteachers of a vibrant, caring, and ambitious school community. Our school provides a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children and young people can thrive. We believe that every pupil is unique, and we take great pride in celebrating their individual strengths, abilities, and personalities.

Holbrook is a community built on respect, inclusion, and high aspirations. We want all of our pupils to feel safe, valued and confident to reach their full potential. Our pupils benefit from an autism-specific learning environment, a wide range of specialist facilities and carefully planned opportunities that support their learning and development. We are committed to developing the whole child, not just their academic ability.

As part of the Esteem Multi-Academy Trust, Holbrook School for Autism is a specialist provision for children and young people aged 4–19, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our school operates across two sites: the Portway site in Holbrook and the Whitemoor site in Belper. We are also proud to offer a highly valued residential provision which provides extended education for up to 28 pupils who stay one night per week during term time.

We warmly invite you to explore our website, which we hope provides you with the information you need as well as an insight into the life of our wonderful school.

Why We Love Holbrook