Students of Chalk Hill enjoying activities and trips as part of their learning.

Chalk Hill

Based in Great Cornard, Sudbury, Chalk Hill is for students aged between 8-16 who have experienced difficulty navigating mainstream education and are or have been at risk of permanent exclusion.

From September 2025, Chalk Hill changed to become a special education school for young people with autistic spectrum disorder and co-occurring social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH), working broadly at national curriculum levels.

We believe that with the right support for their educational and social, emotional and mental health needs, these children and young people can re-engage positively with learning and prepare for life as a successful learner, employee and citizen.

Most of our students have experienced difficulty or trauma in their childhood. We believe that no young person should be defined by their past, and with courage and commitment they can transform their future.

We provide a caring, supportive and challenging learning environment where our students overcome their barriers to learning, reintegrate successfully into their local mainstream schools or another appropriate education provider, and into the wider community.

Boarding places are offered to all students from Monday to Thursday during term-time only. This provides the opportunity to engage with a 24-hour curriculum.

🐕 Ruby, our therapy dog, has the run of Chalk Hill Academy and loves cuddles and snuggles with pupils and visitors.

Ruby the therapy dog at Chalk Hill
Ruby the therapy dog at Chalk Hill
Ruby the therapy dog at Chalk Hill

What we strive for

  1. A trauma-informed ethos and approach
  2. An accelerated, targeted Individual Learning Plan
  3. Intervention and support to address each child’s specific social, emotional and mental health needs
  4. Access to a broad and balanced school curriculum
  5. 24-hour support for boarders, Monday morning to Friday afternoon 
  6. Close liaison and positive support work with parents and carers
  7. Collaboration with external agencies such as Social Services, Educational Psychologists, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Youth Offending and Suffolk County Council Children and Young People’s Services
  8. Supported transition to the next school or learning provider
School day
What we teach
Residence
Term dates
SEND 20

Other useful information

How to apply
Meals
Careers
Safeguarding
Get in touch

News from Chalk Hill

Students from Chalk Hill kayaking
Students from Chalk Hill playing with a old Napoleonic-era cannon
Students from Chalk Hill visiting an historic venue
Students from Chalk Hill learning in a museum
Students from Chalk Hill about to go kayaking
Students from Chalk Hill looking at search and rescue picture
Students from Chalk Hill beside an Essex Air Ambulance car
Students from Chalk Hill playing in the woods
Students from Chalk Hill playing football
Students from Chalk Hill playing football
Students from Chalk Hill playing football
Students from Chalk Hill playing football
Students from Chalk Hill climbing in a play park
Student from Chalk Hill climbing a frame
Students from Chalk Hill on a tractor
Students from Chalk Hill
Students from Chalk Hill
Students from Chalk Hill Academy taking part in VE Day celebrations
Students from Chalk Hill Academy taking part in VE Day celebrations
Students from Chalk Hill Academy taking part in VE Day celebrations
Food at Chalk Hill Academy as part of VE Day celebrations
Food at Chalk Hill Academy as part of VE Day celebrations