Undershaw celebrated a momentous 20-year milestone this autumn, marking two decades of transforming the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The school was opened by parents Larry Sullivan and Sandra Seagrove after they found it impossible to find a suitable school for their daughter with hemiplegia.
“It broke my heart,” said Sandra. “I sat at a school and saw a child in a wheelchair in the corridor – I thought that’s not integration.”
Larry added: “A child can’t learn until they feel secure and safe. Imagine never being chosen for a game. Imagine you can’t keep up on the nuances of a conversation so the other kids turn away from you. That doesn’t just damage self-esteem, it destroys it.”
Determined to make the impossible possible, the pair bought a church in Hindhead and opened Stepping Stones with just three pupils, all now getting the support they desperately needed.
But as more parents discovered the school, it was soon “bursting at the seams.”
In 2016 David Forbes-Nixon found Stepping Stones while looking for a school for his son Charlie, who has cerebral palsy. Inspired, he purchased the historic Undershaw site, which was once the home of Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. It is now the home of Undershaw school and an incredible 102 pupils. The church remains part of the school and is used as an arts and media centre.
“Charlie finally had a school that felt like home,” said David. “He had friends.”
The anniversary celebration brought together students, families, staff, and alumni to honour the school’s incredible journey with music, food, speeches and several alumni returning to share their inspiring stories of success after leaving Undershaw.
Highlighting the event, Paralympic gold medallist Talan Skeels-Piggins delivered an unforgettable speech. He spoke of his journey from a life-altering accident to standing on the podium for a Winter Paralympic gold.
When people have a disability, choice is often taken away,” he said. “Undershaw provides the support so you can learn for yourself and gain the resilience and self-esteem to master life’s challenges.”
“His story resonates with all of us here," said Emma West, Headteacher of Undershaw. "Our alumni are living proof of what’s possible with determination and the right support.
“Our achievements over the last 20 years are just the beginning. We’re excited to keep building on this foundation and changing lives.”
Sandra added: “I look at the school now and I am so proud all of the children who have just flourished. We just need a lot more of these schools. There just isn’t enough for the children who need it.”