TCES North West London
TCES North West London is part of the TCES social enterprise, whose mission is to ensure that society profits. This social enterprise is a family-run company where the majority of its profits are reinvested back into the company to continuously develop our services. Whilst TCES celebrates its 25th Anniversary as an education company, TCES North West London celebrates its 15th Anniversary as a school this Autumn.
TCES North West London provides special education for exceptional neurodiverse children and young people between the ages of 7 to 19 years old. All of these pupils have Education, Health & Care Plans, typically with a diagnosis of SEMH (social, emotional and mental health) and/or ASC (autism spectrum condition) and associated conditions. These associated conditions have changed post-pandemic and now include 'Emotionally-Based School Avoidance' (EBSA) in which almost 100% of our newly placed pupils come to TCES North West London with persistent absence (under 90% attendance). Additionally, a very significant proportion of our pupils arrive at our school with a history of being severely absent (under 50% attendance). This challenge is met through the provision of embedded therapeutic education and very significant resources to support pupil's attendance in line with the 'DfE's new attendance guidance; 'Working together to improve attendance' - August 2024.
Our pupils are referred to us by a significant number of Local Authorities in London and the Home Counties and are placed with us following an assessment based on a risk and needs assessment.
We are a ‘Good’ school that provides full-time education for Key Stage 2 to 5 pupils from London Local Authorities.
The education is provided in ‘state of the art’ premises in west London. The school was formally opened by Professor Lord Winston in September 2009 and includes a science lab (named after Lord Winston) as well as many specialist classrooms, including an art, counselling and therapy room, a food technology kitchen, a sensory room, and a large gym/assembly hall.
Our pupils are provided with opportunities and support to develop self-esteem, interpersonal and social skills as well as to make positive choices in respect of their behaviour both in and out of school. We believe they will become successful members of society through the knowledge, values and thinking skills learnt in the classroom and school environment.
Our specialisms
Every TCES school specialises in Leadership and the Arts.
Leadership is a key focus of the TCES curriculum - find out more by visiting our Leadership and Careers page.
In 2020 TCES North West London achieved Platinum Artsmark Award status, and our Art Lead won a Silver Pearson National Teaching Award. This Pearson Silver award win was repeated in June 2024 when our Maths teacher also won the national teaching award.
OFSTED: We are a ‘Good’ school
Staff at the North West London Independent Special School know pupils well. They take time to understand pupils’ individual needs and build positive relationships with them. One pupil, speaking for many, told inspectors, ‘Because of this school and the time taken by staff to understand our needs, we have been given the opportunity to succeed.’ Pupils achieve well because of the care and support they receive.
ofsted inspection, March 2022
Pupils are happy and behave well. They settle quickly because the routines and expectations from adults and leaders are clear. Pupils enjoy school and make positive contributions to lessons. Staff are always positive when managing difficult behaviour. Staff are calm and responsive to pupils’ needs even when pupils are upset
ofsted inspection, March 2022
Referrals
To make a referral, please click here.
Key contacts
-
TCES North West London, 85 Old Oak Common Lane, Acton, W3 7DD
-
Telephone: 020 8749 5403
Name |
Role |
|
Katrina Medley | Executive Headteacher | admin.nwlis@tces.org.uk |
Steven Speck | Headteacher | |
Jo Ackah | Deputy Headteacher | admin.nwlis@tces.org.uk |
Joanna Melzak | School Business Manager | admin.nwlis@tces.org.uk |
Thomas Keaney |
CEO & School Proprietor |
Schools & Services
more information