The Springfields Academy Named National Beacon School for Autism
National Autistic Society recognises Wiltshire specialist school for exceptional autism practice and national influence
The Springfields Academy in Calne, has been named one of just eight Beacon schools in the country by the National Autistic Society (NAS). The rare accolade celebrates the school’s exceptional work supporting autistic pupils and sharing its expertise with other schools and organisations.
The Beacon Award is given to schools and services that have already achieved Advanced status in the NAS’s Autism Specialist Award and have demonstrated exceptional work in sharing knowledge and understanding of good practice to educate, guide, inspire and illuminate others beyond their own setting.
The recognition builds on The Springfields Academy’s achievement of Advanced status in the NAS’s Autism Specialist Award for the second time. The school is a specialist provision for autistic pupils, currently supporting 275 autistic learners aged four to 19, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care plan.
The school’s previous Autism Specialist Award recognised its strong expertise in autism practice, with staff consistently applying personalised approaches and supporting pupils through their preferred communication methods. Inspectors also highlighted the school’s work to develop independence, self-regulation and emotional resilience, alongside its focus on vocational preparation, wellbeing and family support.
The Beacon recognition caps an exceptional year for The Springfields Academy. An Ofsted inspection earlier this year rated the school ‘Exceptional’ in three areas, including Inclusion, Leadership and Governance, and Personal Development and Wellbeing. Inspectors also highlighted the school’s influence beyond its own community, noting that its expertise benefits schools and organisations both nationally and internationally.
Nicola Whitcombe, Headteacher at The Springfields Academy, said:
“We are incredibly proud to have been recognised as one of just eight Beacon schools nationally. This is a real reflection of the expertise and commitment of our staff, and of the work we do every day to understand and respond to the individual needs of autistic young people.
“What makes this recognition particularly special is that it acknowledges not only the practice within our own school but also our commitment to sharing what we have learned with others. We want to play our part in improving understanding and practice more widely, so that more autistic children and young people can have the right support to thrive.”
Tom Leverage, CEO of Reach South Academy Trust, said:
“This is an exceptional achievement for The Springfields Academy and a fitting recognition of the expertise and dedication of its staff. To be named one of just eight Beacon schools nationally is a remarkable endorsement of the school’s work and its contribution to autism education locally and nationally. We are immensely proud of the team and the difference they are making.”
