Hawthorn High School

Welcome to The Hawthorns School, a school for autistic children in the centre of Chelmsford that is proud to be part of the SEAX Multi Academy Trust.

 It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new Headteacher of The Hawthorns School, leading a school community that is dedicated to supporting and celebrating autistic children in a thoughtful, compassionate and child-centred way.

After operating from temporary accommodation since opening in January 2023 the school moved into its new permanent building in February 2025. As we continue to grow, this purpose-built space will enable us to continue to provide a happy, safe school where pupils can be themselves, whilst accessing high quality provision, enabling them to be confident, healthy adults who are proud to be part of society.

Throughout my career in specialist education, I have seen the incredible things that can be achieved when we take the time to truly understand each child as an individual – with their unique strengths, needs and way of seeing the world. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to kindness, high expectations and the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and empowered to grow at their own pace.

We offer a rich, evolving and purposeful curriculum, which is committed to learning and achievement with wellbeing at its heart (further curriculum information is available in the curriculum section of the website). All our pupils have the development of social communication as a core need, as well as requiring adaptations to engage with learning and increasing independence. The promotion of these skills is therefore, central to everything we do. 

I firmly believe that no ceiling should ever be placed on a child’s potential and will work hard to ensure we maintain the school’s strong, proud history of close-working relationships with our families, as it is this consistent commitment to collaboration that is key to our children accessing the essential and exciting learning opportunities we offer in school.  

I hope you find the website helpful, please don’t hesitate to contact us via the school office should you require any further information.

Best wishes,    

Hayley Kersey

Headteacher