We welcome you to The Tower School, where we provide a high-quality, personalised education for young people aged 11-18 years who have autism and associated conditions.
At The Tower School, we pride ourselves on delivering a broad, balanced and aspirational holistic curriculum which is tailored to meet pupils’ individual needs. Alongside our offer of English, Maths, Science, PSHE, Computing, Topic, PE, Food Technology, Art and Music, we also delivery sessions in Life skills, independent living and preparation for adulthood, covering a variety of life and communication skills, as well as outdoor education (Duke of Edinburgh at Key Stage 4) which allows our pupils the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you are walking into a school built on the knowledge, experience and success of all the schools in the Outcomes First Group.
At the heart of our school is a focus on relationships of trust and partnership between pupils, parents, teachers, support staff, clinicians, and our wonderful local community. As well as providing an enriching and varied education, the school is proud to offer an environment which inspires learning where pupils can flourish.
Young people attending The Tower School will experience a combination of education, support and life skills which will provide them with the strong foundations to succeed. The school’s highly-skilled team tailor the curriculum to each young person’s needs and talents, to ensure they leave with the qualifications and life skills they need to support them with their next steps.
Our website gives you an overview of the education and support offered here at The Tower School. If you would like to know more about the opportunities we provide and the difference we make to the lives of young people, please get in touch.
Lauren
Headteacher
With over 15 years’ experience in education and school leadership, I am dedicated to ensuring that children and young people with special educational needs have access to a high-quality, truly tailored school experience. My approach is driven by a deep belief that every pupil deserves an environment that meets their unique needs – one that is nurturing, safe and accessible, and where therapeutic input is integrated to support every aspect of their development.
I am passionate about providing an educational experience that goes beyond academic achievement, focusing on building the essential skills young people need for life, whatever their next steps may be. At The Tower School, we understand that for pupils to thrive, staff must also feel valued, supported, and empowered. As such, I lead a team of dedicated specialists who share my commitment to realising the school’s vision and securing the best possible outcomes for every young person.
We foster a culture where all members of the community – pupils, families and staff alike – are respected and cared for, ensuring that everyone can contribute to and benefit from a shared sense of purpose and belonging.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out and say hello: office@thetowerschool.co.uk.
Natalie
Deputy Headteacher
(SLT)
Ayden
Assistant Headteacher and Physical Education Lead
(SLT)
I am proud to work in the role of Assistant Headteacher at The Tower School. I have worked in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and alternative provisions for over a decade: Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of supporting pupils with a diverse range of needs. My professional journey began in Physical Education, and I am passionate about sport and fitness. I believe strongly in the positive impact healthy living can have on young people’s lives. Sport is not just about physical health — it’s a powerful tool to help pupils build confidence, develop resilience and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
At The Tower School, I am continually inspired by our amazing pupils and dedicated staff. I feel privileged every day to work alongside such a committed team, supporting our pupils to grow, succeed, and become the very best versions of themselves. Seeing our students build confidence, achieve their goals, and discover new passions is at the heart of everything I do. I am especially proud to be part of a school community that values every individual and celebrates their unique strengths.
Madeleine
Assistant Headteacher
(SLT)
My passion for inclusive, empowering education has led me to work within mainstream and specialist settings, to complete a Master’s in Teaching & Learning at the University of Oxford and to qualify as a SENCo.
As Assistant Head for Curriculum and Exams, I’m committed to ensuring every pupil has access to a personalised, accessible and meaningful education. I care deeply about the holistic progress and wellbeing of our pupils and work closely with families to ensure the right support is in place at every stage.
The Tower School is a place where everyone is seen and valued for who they are, and I’m proud to be part of a team that works together to celebrate and unlock the full potential of every individual.
Aygul
Administration Manager
(SLT)
As the Administrative Manager at The Tower School, I am responsible for overseeing the daily operational functions that ensure the school runs efficiently and effectively. My role involves providing essential support so that both staff and pupils have access to the resources necessary to facilitate a positive educational experience.
What I find most rewarding about working at The Tower School is witnessing the meaningful impact we have on our pupils’ development. Observing their growth in confidence and life skills is a powerful reminder of the value of our work and the difference we make in their lives.
I am dedicated to maintaining a supportive and well-organised environment that enables our pupils to thrive both academically and personally.
Laura
DofE Lead & SENCo
(SLT)
With many years of dedicated teaching experience, I have built my career around supporting children with special educational needs and fostering inclusive, experiential learning environments. I am passionate about creating opportunities for every child to thrive, I combine my expertise in SEN education with a deep commitment to outdoor learning—believing strongly in the power of nature to inspire, regulate, and empower young minds.
Working with students who have additional needs has taught me the importance of patience, flexibility, and empathy. I take pride in creating inclusive learning environments where each child can progress at their own pace, feel safe, and develop confidence in who they are. Beyond the classroom, I advocate for accessible education and work closely with families and multidisciplinary teams to ensure each student receives the support they deserve.
I continue to develop my practice through ongoing training in environmental approaches and inclusive practice. My work reflects a balance of structure and spontaneity, always guided by the individual strengths and needs of the pupils.
Hannah
Senior Leader
(SLT)
It has been a great pleasure to recently join the Senior Leadership Team at The Tower School, whilst awaiting the forthcoming launch of a new Options Autism school in Essex. This will be a new school in Colchester called River Mill School, which I am privileged to be the Deputy Headteacher for.
On joining The Tower School, I quickly realised that it was a very special place to be and I am so thankful to all the staff and pupils for the warm welcome shown; it says so much about the kind and wholehearted nature of the school. Being immersed in the openly outstanding practice and culture has made my time at Tower so far a complete joy.
My background in specialist teaching started nearly 19 years ago, in a large all-through special school for pupils with autism, severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties. A few years later, I moved into a leadership position at the school, where until recently I worked for 14 years as Head of Learning for Early Years, Primary and Pre-Formal/Informal Learning Pathways. I also specialise in Early English and Phonics and I am a SEN Specialist Leader of Education, which has enabled me to provide outreach support to mainstream settings where needed.
I have always been continually inspired by the children I work with, who I have never stopped learning from. It is my motivation to provide the very best education for every single child, preparing them for life and giving them the best possible opportunities for their bright future. I am driven by the ambition that every child has the right and the potential to thrive at school, in a happy, therapeutic, aspirational environment, underpinned by respectful and trusting relationships.
Alison
Positive Behaviour Lead
Hema
Family Liaison Officer
Ellie
Positive Behaviour Practitioner
Nicola
Mathematics Lead and Middle Manager
Danielle
English/PSHE Teacher
Gemma
English Teacher
Steve
Computing Teacher
Jacque
Science Teacher
Sally
Music Teacher
Mary
SEN Teacher
Megan
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Evie
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Chloe
Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Mia
Autism Practitioner
Jake
Autism Practitioner
Lizzie
Autism Practitioner
Yulia
Autism Practitioner
Daniel
Autism Practitioner
Archie
Autism Practitioner
Caitlin
Autism Practitioner
Kerri
Autism Practitioner
Morgan
Autism Practitioner
Samantha
Psychotherapist
Victoria
Therapy Assistant
Sharon
Administrator
Tosun
Facilities Manager
Yassine
Chef
