Welcome to Alfriston

Message from the Head

It is my privilege to welcome you to Alfriston School. Since joining as Headteacher in September 2024, I have been inspired every day by the resilience, curiosity, and ambition of our students and the unwavering commitment of our staff and families.

Alfriston is a specialist secondary school for girls aged 11–18, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Our students’ primary need is moderate learning difficulties, and many also have additional communication and interaction needs. We are proud to provide a safe, inclusive environment where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Our vision is clear:
“To empower students to navigate the world with a strong sense of purpose, identity and curiosity.”

This vision shapes every aspect of our work—from our curriculum design to our integrated therapeutic approaches, which include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and social-emotional support.

At Alfriston, education is about more than qualifications. It is about belonging, respect, and representation. It is about helping each young person discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and prepare for adulthood with optimism and resilience. Our six core values—Ambition, Belonging, Respect, Representation, Integrity, and Curiosity—guide our culture and decisions every day.

We are currently in an exciting phase of transformation, strengthening our curriculum, embedding inclusive practices, and deepening partnerships with families and the wider community. Together, we are building a school where every student feels safe, seen, and supported to achieve their personal best.

Thank you for visiting our website and for sharing in our journey. We look forward to working with you to create a future full of opportunity, growth, and meaningful achievement for every student at Alfriston.

Warm regards,

Claire Smart

Headteacher