A new special school in Ivybridge, designed to support children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC), is set to open this autumn. Castlebridge School will cater to children aged between seven and 16, offering a tailored curriculum, smaller class sizes, and specialized support for students who face challenges in mainstream education.

The school is designed for children who cannot attend mainstream schools due to physical, medical, sensory needs, or difficulties with communication, anxiety, attachment, relationships, and behavior. It aims to provide a nurturing environment to help these children thrive and build their confidence, communication, and resilience skills.

Castlebridge School is part of The Special Trust Partnership, and while the main site will open in Ivybridge in the 2026/27 academic year, a smaller hub site in Tavistock will start operating in September. The Tavistock base will remain a satellite site when the main site opens, continuing to support children from Tavistock and the west of Devon.

Devon County Council has emphasized that the school is for children who have had challenging experiences in mainstream schools, with many avoiding school to feel safe. This initiative will offer children the opportunity to achieve academic success and gain nationally recognized qualifications.

Councillor Lois Samuel, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for children’s SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) improvement services, expressed her excitement about the new school, stating it will help meet the growing demand for SEND support in Devon. She emphasized that Castlebridge School will help children with ASC progress through school and prepare for adulthood.

Ruth Zimmerman, SEN director at The Special Partnership Trust, also expressed her enthusiasm, saying the collaboration with Devon is an innovative step towards delivering more specialized school places. She highlighted the importance of providing every young person with access to the best education in the most supportive environment, ensuring they thrive and succeed.