LVS Oxford

Since 2025, Ms Melanie Waller MA (leadership and management) NPQH. Joined the school in September 2020, with over 15 years of experience in education and educational consultancy across a range of educational settings and previously has held several

A specialist school for children with autism as primary need. Must be cognitively within average on CAT testing. Many have co-occurring ADHD, anxiety or school avoidance. Must live within an hour’s drive. Entry consists of paperwork, interview with

After KS4 (ready for life pathway) the school supports internships and work placements, as well as applications to college and vocational courses. We met students working at Blenheim Palace, Soho Farmhouse and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir as well as at

All pupils follow two pathways of learning, one with an academic focus and another vocational. Class sizes are small (around eight) and all children are assessed for functional skills in year 11. If able, some take up to seven GCSEs – core subjects

Children use laptops but learn handwriting skills too, and teachers have adapted the learning style to suit the population. In the science lab, staff were conscious of providing visual support, watching the pace and having assistants ‘co-curating the

Art and design is a core subject linked with therapeutic pursuits, or a choice at ASDAN or GCSE level. We met some art students designing, sticking and sewing felt cupcakes in a busy studio. One parent told us her daughter had demonstrated the art of

PE involves a variety of outdoor activities, rather than traditional team sports. An outdoor multi-gym with sunken trampoline is used for lessons or sensory breaks. There’s a football club and fitness fun club at lunchtimes, and we saw pupils in

As one of three LVS schools, staff development and some therapists are shared between sites. Staff are trained in autism and there is a dyslexia specialist for literacy support. All children in year 7 are screened for speech and language needs and

Pastoral awareness is a priority with this highly anxious cohort and is woven into the lesson plans and timetable. ‘Everybody mucks in if a child looks like they’re having a bad moment – she feels supported by pretty much everybody,’ said a mum.

Children arrive in taxis from nearby counties (Oxfordshire, Bucks and Berks), dressed in a relaxed uniform of hoodie, polo shirt and dark trousers (sixth form wear civvies). ‘The school is pretty adaptable to most things, as long as you talk to

Many but not all have funding through their local authority. School may be named on EHCPs but LVS is not a section 41 approved school, so appealing to the local authority is often necessary.

A small and supportive safe space for children who need some TLC. LVS Oxford doesn’t spout SEN dogma at you, but quietly gets on with the job of nurturing autistic learners to aspire. Success doesn’t stop in the classroom, but includes finding a job