Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust to open new school in Kingston  

Ambitious about Autism Schools Trust has been chosen to open a new special free school for autistic children and young people in Kingston.  

The school, which will support up to 90 pupils with autism aged four to 19, will open at the Moor Lane Centre in Chessington.  

Ambitious about Autism, and our Trust, already run two successful special schools and a specialist further education college for autistic children and young people; The Rise School, TreeHouse School and Ambitious College.  

The new school will build on the Trust’s innovative approach to autism education, the Ambitious Approach, which places a focus on the wellbeing and quality of life of each pupil. 

Working in partnership with young people, parents and carers, local schools and colleges and the wider community, the new school will create opportunities for autistic young people to develop the academic, vocational and social skills to enable them make a successful transition to adulthood.  

Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism Schools Trusts, said: “Our mission is to make the ordinary possible for more children and young people with autism. To do this we develop and run innovative and high-quality specialist education provision that enables autistic pupils to learn, thrive and achieve their potential in adulthood.  

“We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the partner for the development of the Kingston special free school and we’re really looking forward to working together with local commissioners, young people, parents and carers and the whole community to create a wonderful new learning environment where autistic young people can reach their academic potential, strive for independence and lead rich and fulfilling lives.” 

The new school is one of 35 special free schools set to open in the next few years, announced by the Department for Education on Sunday (July 19).