Autism East Midlands opens new independent school in Doncaster
- Article
February 23, 2026
After two years of planning, Autism East Midlands are proud to announce that we have officially opened a new independent school for autistic children and young people in the village of Braithwell.
Sutherland House School Braithwell, which opened on 23 February, marks the second school owned by Autism East Midlands that provides specialist provision for autistic pupils.
The school offers education for students with a diagnosis of autism within the age range of 5 to 19 years, bringing this provision to the families of Doncaster, Rotherham and nearby areas.
The site has been internally renovated entirely since its purchase in 2024, and now features a multitude of classrooms for upper and lower school students and a sensory room.
Alongside its person-centred curriculum, the school is also set within tranquil surroundings, with a sprawling courtyard, greenhouse and garden, offering a sense of peace and calm with reduced risk of unwanted noise or triggers.
Gill Fotheringham joins us as the Headteacher of Sutherland House School, who brings many years and experience as a leader in education.
Alongside her, Dave Partridge joins us as a Deputy Head, who previously held a position as Senior Teacher at Sutherland House School Nottingham. Charlotte Smith also joins us as a Senior Teacher from our Nottingham school.
A spokesperson for Autism East Midlands said:
Some of the students that have joined us since opening in February have been out of education for a significant period, or have struggled to maintain any regular schooling at all. Others have simply struggled in mainstream education, where they are often forced to mask or adapt their behaviours in order to participate in a curriculum that is not centred around them as individuals.
We’re proud to offer a place for our autistic young people to learn, thrive and be who they are.
A spokeperson for Autism East Midlands
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Sutherland House School
A vibrant, exciting and passionate school that educates students with autism spectrum conditions from early years and foundation stage through to post 16.
