Lighthouse School

  • Search
  • Translate
  • Facebook

Inspiring bright futures

Welcome to Lighthouse School

I am proud and privileged to lead such a unique and innovative school which is destination-focused. This is a school where students’ special interests, social and communication skills, abilities, academic and life skills are mapped and further developed so destinations can be identified and targeted for each individual.

We deliver a broad, ambitious and balanced curriculum that enables all our 11-19 students to make excellent progress and gain nationally accredited qualifications in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. In addition to academic studies, students access a variety of life skills in social and enrichment activities. These activities focus on the personal development of our students with a focus upon developing communication skills, social relationship skills, independence, employability, and personal emotional wellbeing skills. To enable our students to reach their potential and their next chosen destination, we are versatile in our delivery methods so much so, that every student in school has something personalised on their timetable. As a parent I know how important it is to know that your child is happy in school and that they can develop meaningful friendships and relationships. This is a life skill that is taught and developed in all aspect of school life, but is a particular focus in the Wellbeing and Speech and Language curriculum/sessions. We also take great joy in celebrating those “Wow” moments for our students when the impossible becomes the possible!

A key part of curriculum delivery in ‘building aspirations’ and employability awareness. We believe that the future is limitless and optimism is key to our approach. We do this by exposing our students to a number of different employment sectors and experiences throughout their curriculum.

We also believe every day is a new opportunity and the chance to write a different story and this is fundamental to our compassionate approach to working with our students.

We respect that all our students, parents and staff are unique and all contributions are valued. Student success is at it’s highest when the partnership between these key stakeholders is effective.

The staff body, senior leaders and trustees are devoted to making the difference for our students so they can reach their next steps and a thrive in society. We are neuro-diverse team with a range of disabilities, diversities, strengths and weaknesses, we believe through these role models’ students can create their own pathway to success.

Best wishes

Emma Sullivan

Translate Option

This website is available in other languages.  To use the translate option, please click on the Translate Icon (see image below) underneath the search function and select the language of your choice.Translate icon

 

AMHIE logo
Positive Feedback received
Welcome

Keep up to date with our Social Media

Announcements

Wednesday 1st October 2025

Exciting new chapter for Lighthouse School following appointment to run Harrogate SEN Facility

We are delighted to announce that Lighthouse School has been selected to run a new specialist school in Harrogate.

The Department for Education confirmed this week that our Trust will oversee the new Harrogate facility once it opens, providing greater support for more children with special educational needs (SEN) and expanding opportunities for autistic children in the local community.

Lighthouse School opened in September 2012 with a vision to support autistic young people in having brighter futures. The demand for places at Lighthouse from across Yorkshire is significant, so this development will help many more young people and their families.

The announcement comes after a £2.4 million investment by North Yorkshire Council in the new school, which will offer specialist classrooms, teaching spaces, and facilities that cater for the special educational needs and academic aspirations of children in the area.

The new Harrogate school will provide education for up to 80 pupils aged 11-19 who have been diagnosed with autism or have identified communication and interaction needs. The facility will offer a broad curriculum for children who require a specialised learning environment with a more formal academic pathways and qualifications.

Lighthouse School Principal, Emma Sullivan, said:

“We’re thrilled to be confirmed as the Academy Trust for the new Harrogate Special School, which will bring vital support to autistic young people and their families. This new facility strengthens our mission to deliver outstanding destination led education for a growing number of autistic students.

“Our ambition is to be a national leader in destination-led education for our exceptional students and a Centre of Excellence for Autism education. As a trust dedicated solely to SEND provision, this announcement is another step forward in unlocking the incredible potential of even more children across the region.”

Lighthouse School Founder and Chair of Trustees, Katie Parlett, added:

“We are looking forward to working in partnership with the local authority, families, and stakeholders to create a school that meets needs of autistic young people and inspire the brightest of futures.”

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:

“We want to provide the very best education for all children in North Yorkshire. We have a coordinated strategy across the whole county to meet the special educational needs of children. This includes strengthening practice in mainstream schools, developing SEN resource bases and investing in fabulous new facilities such as this one where they are needed.

“The Trust’s existing work gives us real confidence in its ability to deliver high-quality specialist education and will be a welcome addition to our community of schools in North Yorkshire.”

Lighthouse School will now work with the Department for Education to convert to a multi-academy trust while liaising with the council to agree a robust plan that fully satisfies all the technical elements required. 

Further details about the school opening date will be announced in the coming months once the project plan has been agreed and finalised.

Harrogate School photo 1
Harrogate School - photo 2

Images captions:

  1. Photo 1: The site of the new Harrogate specialist school. (Image: North Yorkshire Council)

  2. Photo 2: (L-R) North Yorkshire Council’s Assistant Director for inclusion Amanda Fielding, Lighthouse School Principal Emma Sullivan, Department for Education Jordan Ingram, North Yorkshire Council Head of SEND strategic planning resources Chris Reynolds, Department for Education Joanne Finney, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, Katherine Atkinson and Katie Parlett from Lighthouse School. (Image: North Yorkshire Council)
   ___________________________________________________________________________________
New Course Dates Announced for 2025-2026!
Join the Lighthouse: Understanding Autism Course for the 2025–26 academic year!

* Modular *Flexible *£50 per module per person

Whether you're a teacher, supporting staff member or professional working within education, this course offers practical insights and strategies to support autistic individuals.

📚 Choose the modules that suit your needs
🕒 Twilight Sessions
💡 Build understanding, inclusion & confidence

The first training module on Autism Understood - an introduction is on Wednesday 22nd October 2025 from 12.45 - 2.15pm, at Lighthouse School.

Training 2025/2026 - page 1
Training - Page 2
Red Kite Connect Blog
Lighthouse School is delighted to have been featured in the Red Kite Connect blog.
Follow the link below to read more. 
  
 
       

 

 

.