Welcome to Admissions

The Hawthorns School is a specialist provision based in Chelmsford for pupils with autism and complex learning needs. Our admissions process is robust, transparent and carefully managed to ensure that placements are made in the best interests of each young person, with individual needs at the centre of all decision‑making.

Our Cohort

The Hawthorns School provides education for pupils who:

• Are aged 7–16 years
• Have a diagnosis of autism, alongside associated complex learning needs
• Have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
  All pupils admitted to the school must have an EHCP that clearly identifies their needs and the provision required to support access to education.

Admissions Process

Admissions to The Hawthorns School are managed in partnership with the Local Authority SEND Operations Team and follow a clearly defined process:

• Once parents/carers have become familiar with the school website and would like to visit, please submit an Admissions Enquiry Form located below.
• Due to a high demand of interest, enquiries are placed on a waiting list, and school visits are arranged as availability allows. *If placement has already been offered/accepted, an email will be sent to parents/carers for a school visit.
• School tours are carried out in small groups to maintain a calm learning environment and minimise disruption for our pupils. We do ask that parents/carers visit without their young person at this stage, however you may wish to invite a key professional or friend to accompany you if you are a solo parent/carer.
• We advise that parents/carers reflect on their experience and ensure they have all of the information they require to make an informed decision on if The Hawthorns School would be a suitable provision for their young person.
• Parents/carers will then request an annual review and inform their young person's current setting that they wish to name The Hawthorns School as a preference through the Local Authority. This can be done regardless of whether a visit has taken place.
• The Local Authority will issue a formal consultation to the school.
• A representative of the school will review consultation documentation and, where appropriate, may request additional information or visit your young person in their current setting to determine whether needs can be met.
• The school will provide a professional response to the consultation based on suitability and capacity. This response will go directly to the SEND Operations Team. 
• Final decisions regarding placement are made by the Local Authority. The Hawthorns School does not allocate placements directly.

*PLEASE NOTE - The school is unable to comment on the suitability of individual pupils during enquiries, visits or during the consultation process.

This structured approach ensures that decisions are consistent, equitable, and aligned with statutory guidance, while prioritising the wellbeing, safety and educational outcomes of all pupils. For any further information on our Admission Process please see our Admissions Policy.

Equal Opportunities

The Hawthorns is committed to providing equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all pupils and families, to provide an environment in which all pupils are supported reach their full potential. Please see our Equal Opportunities Policy for any further information.

Contact Details

The Hawthorns School 

Telephone: 01245 207607

Email:  admin@thehawthornsschool.com

Mid-Essex SEND Operations Team

Covering: Braintree, Chelmsford, Halstead and Maldon

Telephone: 0333 013 9949

Email: EHCRequestMid@essex.gov.uk