Options Higford is an independent day school for children and young people aged 5 – 19 years.

We specialise in supporting students with Autism and associated learning needs, including Learning Disabilities and behaviours that may challenge as a result of their diagnosis. Every aspect of our provision is built around understanding each young person’s individuality, creating a calm, structured, and nurturing environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive.

Our ethos is rooted in care, connection, and high aspirations. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential — academically, socially, and emotionally. We aim to provide meaningful learning experiences that equip our pupils with the skills and confidence to lead happy, purposeful, and fulfilling lives beyond school.

As Ofsted (2025) noted, “At Options Higford, pupils are happy and enjoy learning. Positive relationships with staff ensure pupils are safe and well cared for.” Inspectors recognised that “staff know individual pupils well and are well trained to support pupils to manage their behaviour and to engage with their learning.”

The report praised the school’s calm and purposeful environment, stating that “embedded routines support pupils throughout the school day and in lessons. This helps to establish a calm and purposeful ethos, which allows pupils to flourish.”

Ofsted also found that “the school has high aspirations for pupils,” and that leaders and staff are “committed to ensuring pupils learn a broad range of subjects and are prepared for the next stage of their education.” Inspectors highlighted the school’s success in developing communication and independence, noting that “pupils use communication devices confidently to learn” and that “staff have been well trained in the school’s approach to phonics.”

Praising the care and community across the site, Ofsted described how “staff are proud to work at the school, with one member of staff summarising many views by calling it ‘my happy place’.”

These comments reflect the heart of Options Higford — a place where happiness, learning, and belonging come together.

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Safeguarding at Our School

The safety and wellbeing of our pupils is our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a strong culture of vigilance, care, and accountability, ensuring that every child is safeguarded at all times.

If you have any concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing, it is your duty to report them immediately to a member of our safeguarding team:

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs):
Samantha Dennis, Eloise Thrower

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (DDSLs):
Rory Macaskill, Jenna Johnson, James Wild, Sarah Poultney

Safeguarding Governor:
Melanie Callaghan-Lewis

Thank you for helping us to keep Options Higford a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for all.