Wings School Notts
NottinghamshireMessage from the Headteacher
Welcome to Wings Notts! As Principal I am incredibly proud to lead a school that offers a unique, nurturing environment for children aged 9 to 17 years old. We are an independent special school located in the beautiful village of Kirklington, just a short distance from Newark, and surrounded by almost 20 acres of serene grounds. This peaceful setting allows our children to thrive both indoors and outdoors, offering them space to explore and grow.
We are dedicated to supporting children on the autistic spectrum who have faced challenges in mainstream or other specialist schools. Whether or not they have a formal diagnosis, our children may exhibit traits of autism or related conditions and have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Currently, we are proud to welcome children from 15 different local authorities, including Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City, Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire. This diverse community is a testament to the reach and reputation we’ve built as a school.
Our core mission is to prepare each child for life beyond Wings. We aim to equip them with the practical skills and confidence they need to succeed in further education, employment, and adult life. This means offering them opportunities to experience new things, from academic learning to hands-on activities, that build their self-esteem and broaden their horizons.
As a lead inclusion school for the Youth Sport Trust (YST), we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that empowers all our children. Our partnership with YST allows us to champion inclusion in physical education and sport, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to develop their potential and gain confidence through physical activity.
Our team is deeply committed to making Wings Notts a place where every child feels valued, understood, and encouraged to be their very best. I look forward to working with you all and watching our children continue to flourish here.
Jake Shelton
Principal
What We Offer
Education
Education
At Wings School Notts, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and feel proud of their achievements. Many of our children have faced challenges in education before joining us, and our aim is to reignite their love of learning and rebuild their confidence. Through a nurturing and personalised approach, we help children develop the skills, knowledge, and resilience they need to overcome barriers and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
As the lead Inclusion School for the Youth Sport Trust (YST), we place health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Our curriculum is carefully designed to build academic skills while also nurturing emotional resilience, physical health, and positive relationships. By combining high-quality teaching with a strong focus on wellbeing, we create a safe and supportive environment where every child feels valued, understood, and ready to succeed.
Our goal is to prepare children not only to achieve academically but also to contribute positively to their communities. By supporting them to grow socially and emotionally, we provide the foundations they need to move forward with hope, independence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Therapeutic support
Therapeutic support
At Wings School Notts, we believe every child deserves to feel understood, supported, and empowered to reach their potential. That’s why we offer a wide range of therapeutic services designed to support children, young people, and families in a holistic and accessible way.
Our therapy team works closely alongside our education team, supporting children directly in lessons and throughout the school day. They also provide training and guidance for staff, equipping them with the skills and strategies to meet the diverse needs of our children. By combining therapeutic expertise with education, we create a joined-up approach that promotes emotional well-being, positive relationships, and academic success.
Life Skills and Vocational Preparation
Life Skills and Vocational Preparation
At Wings Notts, we believe in preparing all our children for life beyond school by equipping them with the practical skills and confidence they need to succeed in adulthood. To achieve this, every child has timetabled careers lessons that focus on vital life skills, such as communication, budgeting, time management, and setting personal goals. We also work alongside external professionals who offer expert advice and guidance tailored to each child's career aspirations.
In addition, we host an annual Careers Day, where children have the chance to meet with employers, colleges, and professionals from a range of careers. They hear real-life testimonies and gain valuable insights into different industries, helping them to understand the many opportunities available to them. Our links with local colleges provide access to additional courses, taster days, and alternative provision, where appropriate. Through these experiences, we foster an understanding of both academic and vocational paths on offer after school to help our children make informed decisions about their futures.
Residential
Residential
Wings School Notts has a small, registered children’s home on site, carefully designed to offer a warm, family-like environment. Here, young people are supported to build trusting relationships, develop essential life skills, and grow in confidence.
Through a nurturing, supportive and consistent approach, children and young people are helped to understand and manage their feelings in a safe and structured way. Our dedicated teams create a positive culture of care, stability and encouragement, ensuring every child has the strong foundations they need to thrive.
We believe that every child should be supported and encouraged to achieve their ambitions. Building self-esteem, confidence and resilience is a core priority of our therapeutic and educational approach.