Welcome to Kestrel House School
Welcome to Kestrel House School and thank you for taking the time to learn more about our school.
Kestrel House School is a specialist provision for autistic children and young people with complex needs aged 5–16. At the heart of everything we do are our three core values: Pride, Play, and Preparation (for adulthood). These values shape our curriculum, our relationships, and our daily practice, ensuring that every pupil is supported to thrive as an individual.
We encourage Pride in who our pupils are and in what they achieve. We celebrate every success, however small, and help our children to develop confidence, self-worth, and a positive sense of identity. Our school is a place where differences are respected and achievements are recognised.
Play is central to learning at Kestrel House School. Through purposeful, structured, and exploratory play, our pupils develop communication, social understanding, emotional regulation, and curiosity about the world around them. We believe that play is not only joyful, but essential to meaningful learning and personal development.
Our commitment to Preparation (for adulthood) ensures that pupils are supported to develop the skills they need for the future. From the earliest years, we focus on independence, communication, life skills, and decision-making, always in ways that are appropriate to each child’s needs and stage of development. We work closely with families and professionals to help our pupils prepare for the next steps in their lives with confidence.
We take a holistic and highly personalised approach to education. Our experienced and dedicated staff team works in close partnership with families, therapists, and external agencies to create a safe, stimulating, and supportive learning environment where pupils feel understood and valued.
I am incredibly proud to lead a school where care, expertise, and a strong belief in every pupil’s potential come together to make a genuine difference. Whether you are a parent, carer, or professional, I hope our website gives you a true sense of the warmth, commitment, and ambition that defines Kestrel House School.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to find out more, we would be very happy to hear from you.
Warm regards,
Aimée McMillan
Headteacher
About Us
We are a small and friendly independent special school for learners aged 5-16 years who have Autism, additional learning difficulties and complex needs.
Our Vision
We create a nurturing environment where learning through exploration, thinking differently and engaging in a wealth of meaningful experiences, brings learning to life; and as a school, we begin to ‘Think and Learn Differently’.
In Their Own Words…
