St Christopher's School, Bristol

St Christopher's School (later known as Aurora St Christopher's School) was located in Bristol, England. It was a special needs residential independent school for around 50 children and young people aged 7 to 25,[1] who had severe and complex learning difficulties, or profound and multiple learning difficulties. They all had specific requirements for their care and education.[2]

St Christopher's School
The sensory garden at the school
Address
Map
Carisbrooke Lodge, Westbury Park


England
Information
TypeIndependent school
Special Needs School
Established1945
Closed2020
Specialistlearning difficulties
Department for Education URN109342 Tables
Age7 to 25
Enrolment49[1]
Websitehttp://www.the-aurora-group.com/stchris

Many of the pupils had language and communication disorders, some had physical disabilities and some displayed challenging behaviour. Some of the additional conditions were autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, Rett syndrome and Angelman syndrome.[3]

In December 2015 it was announced that the school was to close,[4][5] but in January 2016 it was taken over by The Aurora Group, allowing it to remain open.[6] However the school did close in 2020. It was declared an asset of community value in 2024.[7]

Grace House, a teaching block at the school built in 1965 and designed by Alec F French and Partners, is a grade II listed building.[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Independent school inspection report" (pdf). Ofsted. 14 October 2009. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  2. ^ "official website". Archived from the original on 27 October 2011. Retrieved 26 October 2011.
  3. ^ "St Christopher's School". Special Needs UK. Retrieved 27 October 2015.
  4. ^ "Special needs school in Bristol to close down". ITV. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
  5. ^ Yong, Michael (10 December 2015). "Parents devastated and vow to fight closure of special needs school in Bristol". Bristol Post. Retrieved 11 December 2015.
  6. ^ "St Christopher's, Bristol special needs school to stay open". BBC News. 14 January 2016. Retrieved 24 January 2017.
  7. ^ Candlin, Rachel (16 March 2024). "St Christopher's School in Bristol gets legal protection". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  8. ^ Historic England. "Grace House (Grade II) (1462322)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
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51°28′37″N 2°36′51″W / 51.47684°N 2.61425°W / 51.47684; -2.61425