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Bright Minds Creative Academy

Aspire Learning is an independent specialist day school located in Croydon, providing high-quality education to boys and girls aged 5-11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, Autism Spectrum Condition, and Speech, Language and Communication needs.

CroydonAll ThroughCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 5–16Day24 pupils
Day fees
Fees TBC
How competitive entry is
School Exam + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
24
Founded
Next deadline
Open day: TBC
Updated 3 months ago
Houseroom Index 2026

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Our take

Independent co-ed school in Croydon for ages 5–11. Non-selective intake.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Children aged 5–11.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families who would rather not put their child through a selective entrance assessment.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees aren't published. Treat published external fee comparisons with caution and ask admissions directly before shortlisting.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
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Registration opensNot published
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Registration closesNot published
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Bursary deadlineNot published
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AssessmentNot published
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InterviewNot published
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OffersNot published
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Acceptance deadlineNot published
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Open events

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Fees

Fees TBCper year · Day · 2025-26
Also budget for · Registration fee, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music tuition, exam fees. These vary by school — check with admissions for the full cost breakdown.

Bursaries & Scholarships

About the head

Abigail McIvor is the current Head Teacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Aspire Learning, leading the school to provide specialist education for pupils with SEMH, Autism, and Speech, Language and Communication needs.

To deliver personalised, holistic education for young people with diverse learning needs, ensuring they receive tailored support, comprehensive resources, and meaningful opportunities to thrive and succeed in a therapeutic environment fostering growth, resilience, and holistic development.

collaborativecompassionateinspiringdependableindividualised learninginclusive environmentsempowerment through skills

Distinctive features

specialist education for SEMH, Autism, and SLCN

integrated therapy teams including Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Educational Psychology, and Psychotherapy

SHINE Therapeutic Model based on Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP)

1:1 tailored lessons

broad and balanced curriculum with academic and vocational paths

strength-based 7 C’s framework

inclusive, nurturing and child-centred approach

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Sporting activities

music

Music

academic club

MathematicsEnglish

other

Careers and work experienceConstructionCreative learning activitiesVocational learning

Facilities

sports

Ancient woodland edge setting (Olympus School, South Croydon)

academic

Break-out classroom (Olympus School)Library (Olympus School)Science laboratory (Olympus School)Computer room (Olympus School)Refurbishment/expansion of facilities in progress – expected completion December 2026 (Draycott Moor College)

wellbeing

One-to-one rooms (Olympus School)Sensory activity room (Olympus School)Co-regulation rooms (Olympus School – both floors)

Latest exam results

Outcomes

The school secures sound educational outcomes with personalised and stimulating programmes of learning, enabling pupils to achieve a range of accredited qualifications and independence skills.

Data from 2025 results

Recent coverage

Bright Minds Creative Academy, a co-educational independent special school in Croydon, opened in April 2023. The school caters to pupils aged 11 to 19 with special educational needs and/or disabilities, primarily focusing on social, emotional, and mental health. As of May 2026, the academy has 34 pupils enrolled, with a capacity of 65. The current headteacher is Ms.

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Fit for your child

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Inspection

Ofsted 10 Dec 2024

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Inadequate
Read full ISI report →

Schools like Bright Minds Creative Academy

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

75%

The Academy School

Camden · Prep · Ages 6–13
£31,840
69%

Arise Academy

Croydon · Senior · Ages 11–18
Fees TBC
69%

Focus 1st Academy

Enfield · Senior · Ages 11–16
Fees TBC
69%

Unique Academy

Hounslow · Nursery · Ages 2–5
£3,960 – £4,320
68%

Bep Academy

Havering · Senior · Ages 13–16
Fees TBC
66%

Break Through School

Bexley · Senior · Ages 11–16
Fees TBC

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Bright Minds Creative Academy, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Bright Minds Creative Academy best for?+

Bright Minds Creative Academy suits: Children aged 5–11; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families who would rather not put their child through a selective entrance assessment.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are non-selective. Registration windows and required forms vary by entry point — check the admissions timeline above.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees section on this page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

2 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at educationreferrals@horizoncare.co.uk or phone on Not recorded. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Bright Minds Creative Academy — see the "Schools like Bright Minds Creative Academy" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 14 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

Reviews

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Data
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Frequently asked questions

What ages does Bright Minds Creative Academy take?
Bright Minds Creative Academy takes pupils from age 5 to 16.
Is Bright Minds Creative Academy a day or boarding school?
Bright Minds Creative Academy is a day school.
Is Bright Minds Creative Academy co-educational or single-sex?
Bright Minds Creative Academy is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Bright Minds Creative Academy?
Bright Minds Creative Academy is in Croydon, CR0 1JB.

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