Once a year the School opens the gates surrounding the safe environment created for its pupils and warmly welcomes visitors to meet staff, wander around the beautiful 54 acre grounds and woodland and enjoy the collection of contemporary art and sculpture on display. Find out more...

A classroom will be open with staff available to talk about the work of the school and the unique, specialist approach which enables the pupils, all severely affected by their autism, to progress and achieve. Information about training courses and consultancy or recruitment opportunities will be available.

A stroll around the grounds will include the kitchen garden and horticulture area where the students develop vocational skills. Throughout the grounds and woodland are works of art which are part of the wonderful collection on permanent loan to this specialist school  by its Founder, Dame Stephanie Shirley. Once a year on the open day and as part of Open Studios, the school invites visitors to see part of the collection, pieces sited throughout the grounds and the sculpture trail which winds through a ten acre natural woodland. Just some of the artists featured are William Turnbull, Jim Rattenbury, Eoghan Bridge, Bridget McCrum, Johannes von Stumm, Charlotte Mayer, John Wragg, Dame Elisabeth Frink, William Pye and many others.

Or simply enjoy refreshments in the gardens, while children use the bouncy castle or visit the outdoor classroom and stable-yard with pygmy goats, shetland pony, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. 

Admission free (donations welcome). Refreshments available.