TCES North West London School
Acton, London, W3 7DD
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TCES North West London is a DfE registered special school, rated Outstanding by Ofsted (February 2025). We provide full-time education for pupils aged 7 to 19 (Key Stages 2–5), all of whom have an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP).
Many of the children and young people who join us have experienced disrupted education, high anxiety, reduced attendance or repeated placement breakdowns. Families often arrive feeling exhausted and unsure of what will truly help their child. Our role is to change that trajectory.
When a child’s needs are properly understood and supported, they can access the seat of learning. And once they can access learning, a world of possibilities opens up.
Therapeutic Education Explained
Therapeutic education is the foundation of everything we do.
It means that support for emotional regulation, anxiety, communication and behaviour is not separate from learning, it is embedded within it.
Every member of staff at TCES North West London is trained in therapeutic education and has expert knowledge in supporting children with a wide range of SEND needs. Staff understand:
- Behaviour as communication
- The impact of anxiety and trauma
- Sensory processing differences
- The importance of predictable routines and relational safety
- Children are not expected to simply “fit in”. Instead, we adapt the environment around them.
Alongside our embedded therapeutic practice, pupils can access additional support at our nearby Therapy House, which provides calm, dedicated space for 1:1 therapeutic work where appropriate.
By supporting regulation first, we enable children to access learning. When they feel safe, they can focus. When they can focus, they can achieve.
Curriculum – High Expectations, Real Opportunity
We provide a full National Curriculum, offering a broad range of subjects similar to a mainstream school, carefully adapted to meet individual needs.
Facilities include:
- A fully equipped Science Lab (opened by Professor Lord Winston and named in his honour)
- Double Art Room
- Music Studio
- Food Technology Kitchen
- Sensory Room
- Large Hall/Gym
- Extensive outdoor space with a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
- Science is a particular strength, delivered in a specialist lab designed to mirror mainstream provision.
Our unique specialism at North West London is our Arts & Digital programme. While we offer a full academic curriculum, we are especially proud of the way we nurture creativity. We are a Platinum Artsmark Award school, and our staff have received national recognition for their teaching excellence.
Through arts, digital media, music and creative s
Small Classes, Big Impact
Class sizes are capped at 8 pupils, ensuring:
- Strong, trusting relationships
- Individualised support
- Calm, structured environments
- Opportunities for every child to be seen and heard
Enrichment and Personal Development
Education is not only about qualifications. It is also about identity, confidence and belonging.
Our enrichment programme supports pupils to:
- Develop friendships
- Strengthen communication skills
- Build resilience
- Experience success beyond academics
- Leadership is embedded throughout our curriculum, helping pupils see themselves as capable young people with a future.
Post-16 and Preparation for Adulthood
For our older students, preparation for adult life is purposeful and practical.
Our Post-16 pupils access The Hub, a high-street multifunctional café with classrooms and catering facilities. Here students:
- Work towards catering qualifications
- Gain real-world work experience
- Develop independence and employability skills
- Build confidence in community settings
The café opens weekly to the public, providing meaningful, supported workplace learning. Last year, 100% of our leavers progressed into education, employment or training.
who we support
We support young people who may have:
Many of our students join us after significant disruption to their education and benefit from our therapeutic, structured and inclusive approach.
If you are unsure whether we can meet your child’s needs, please contact our referrals team.
life at tces School
Working in Partnership with Parents
We understand how important trust is. Many families arrive after difficult experiences. We prioritise open communication, transparency and genuine partnership. You will have a consistent point of contact, regular progress updates, shared expertise with strategies to support your child beyond the school gates.
Changing the Trajectory
For 15 years, TCES North West London has helped children who were struggling to access education rediscover their confidence and potential. When needs are met, pupils can access learning and their strengths begin to show. We remain committed to unlocking the potential in every child with SEND who joins our school.
meet the team
Celina Dennis
Joanna Melzak
Kiuranha Selbonne
Megan Hollo
Michael Davies
Seraphina Ely
Steve Speck
Teela Prince
TCES WEST LONDON SCHOOL NEWS
“The school prioritises providing pupils with extensive therapeutic and pastoral support when they join the school. This gets them into the right place emotionally to engage positively with learning.”
OFSTED REPORTS
As a DfE-registered school and Ofsted Rated Outstanding (2025), we provide the same academic opportunities as mainstream schools, delivered in a way that works for children who need something different.
OPEN EVENTS
Join us at our next North West London open event to meet our team, explore the school and experience how our therapeutic approach supports young people to feel understood, supported and ready to succeed.
case studies
Compliments & Complaints
TCES North West London School, 85 Old Oak Common Lane, Acton, W3 7DD
School Contact
Referrals
To speak with our admissions team or discuss whether this provision may be suitable for your child, please contact: