Welcome to The Willows School

The landscape of SEND provision in England is changing for the better, and Renaissance Education is proud to be at the forefront of improving education provision for pupils across the country. Building on the evidence-based successes of our sister schools Little Acorns (Kent) and Maple House (Bourneville), The Willows is a brand new independent special school in South Hykeham, Lincoln.

Admissions will be offered to young people aged 5 – 15 years, however please note that we are currently only accepting children up to school year 9, and then school year 10 from September 2026.

Pupils will have an EHCP based on a primary need of Autism or similar SEND need. Pupils may also have social, emotional and mental health needs linked to their Autism diagnosis including trauma, high levels of anxiety, and self-harm. Places will be offered to support those where mainstream education has not been suitable to meet and individual’s needs, and for those who may be considered as EBSA/EBSNA (emotional based school avoidance or non-attendance).

The Willows will provide a stable and positive learning environment where each pupil can develop at their own pace to achieve personal and academic successes. Our academic offer will be delivered through a holistic and experiential curriculum in a therapeutic environment. Aspirational targets of formal qualifications will be driven by staff at all stages of a pupil’s learning journey, and our hope is that GCSE, Functional Skills or equivalent outcomes will be reached at KS4. 

The core of our offer is based around a vision where all pupils feel safe, valued, and happy at school regardless of any existing or emerging barriers to learning.  A great deal of care has been taken to ensure that the school provides a nurturing, therapeutic, and stimulating environment adapted to the individual needs of our pupils. The Willows uses a trauma informed approach in all aspects of school life and will provide a stimulating safe-haven where everyone is valued and respected. We promote resilience and risk-taking by delivering lessons guided by our pupils’ curiosity and celebrating all successes.