A Cambridge school has become the first in the world to offer a special IB programme for autistic pupils.

The Cavendish School, the first state-maintained school in Cambridgeshire specifically for autistic pupils, has been authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP).

This makes it the first state-maintained special autism school globally to achieve this milestone.

The IB is a worldwide education system aimed at three to 19-year-olds, focusing on developing subject knowledge and skills like critical thinking and communication.

The Cavendish School is one of three schools that partnered with the IB to ensure the programme is suitable for autistic pupils.

Head of School, Stephanie Smith Head of School, Stephanie Smith (Image: Submitted) During this project, the school identified necessary adjustments to make the programme fit the needs of its pupils.

This included extending timeframes for individual units of inquiry to account for processing or sensory issues and altering learning environments to meet the needs of pupils.

Head of School, Stephanie Smith, said: “The IB curriculum helps us to provide an inclusive and rigorous academic education for our pupils.

"Its holistic approach to learning enables us to achieve our mission of creating an environment that ensures our pupils thrive as independent, emotionally and socially confident young adults.”

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The Cavendish School teaches pupils from Year 3 to Year 8 using the PYP framework.

Year 9 pupils undertake a 'Preparing for Adulthood' year before studying for a suite of qualifications, including GCSEs, in Year 10.

Victoria Hearn, executive principal of the Eastern Learning Alliance, said: “I would like to congratulate the school on its authorisation to offer the PYP.

"It is the culmination of two years of hard work and my colleagues’ commitment and dedication are a testament to our belief in the IB as a tool for transformational learning.”

More information about the school and its curriculum can be found at thecavendishschool.org.uk/ib-curriculum.