News

Bourne Education Trust (BET) is delighted to welcome Freemantles School as an associate member. 

Located in Woking, Freemantles School is an outstanding specialist school for children aged 4-19 with complex social communication needs and / or Autism.   In addition to supporting over 280 children and young people, the school also operates a very well-established and highly reputed community support service, which includes leading Surrey’s Autism outreach service, training and High COIN centre support.  

At the heart of Freemantles educational philosophy is the emphasis on emotional wellbeing. This is the central tenet within which the school’s high-quality specialised teaching is delivered. The school offers an inspiring and ambitious curriculum, which is meticulously planned to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive both socially and academically.

The new associate membership arrangements build on recent partnership success between the two organisations.  Freemantles School is a strategic partner in the development of Hopescourt School, BET’s new specialist free school which opened in September 2024, working closely alongside the Trust and Surrey County Council.  Freemantles School colleagues will continue to provide support as Hopescourt School further develops and eventually moves to a brand new, purpose-built facility in Walton-on-Thames.

Freemantles School will join our Woking cluster of schools, contributing to the Trust’s educational landscape and sharing in the mission of providing an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners.

David Vaughan, Chair of Governors of Freemantles School said: ‘We are extremely pleased to be joining BET as an associate school. After undertaking a rigorous due diligence process we are convinced that BET provides the best possible choice for us. We look forward to working together and continuing to achieve excellent outcomes for our children and young people.’

BET CEO, Alex Russell said: ‘I am thrilled that we have been able to further consolidate our history of successful partnership work with Freemantles School through their associate membership with us.  Associate status will allow for immediate collaboration, providing educational opportunities and the sharing of resources and best practice for the benefit of all.’

For more information about Freemantles School please visit: Freemantles School - Welcome.