These achievements place the specialist school, which supports children and young people with autism, among a select group of institutions recognised for outstanding practice, innovation, and a commitment to children’s rights and wellbeing.
National Autistic Society: Beacon Status
The school has held the NAS Advanced status for many years, recognising their outstanding practice in supporting autistic pupils.
The new Beacon status goes further acknowledging not just the outstanding work within Grange Park School but the wider impact they have in supporting autistic young people within the wider community, often through their outreach programme.
The school’s recent accreditation report from the National Autistic Society highlights the strength and impact of its autism‑inclusive practice, praising in particular its collaboration with families, professionals, and the wider community.
Beacon Status is the highest level of recognition within the accreditation programme. It is awarded only to organisations that demonstrate exceptional expertise in supporting autistic pupils and sharing best practice. Grange Park is one of only 11 schools in the whole country that hold this award.
Beverley Fordham, KCC's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, was invited to the school to present the award at a special assembly where she met with pupils Luccas and AJ to find out more about their achievement.
Executive head teacher of Grange Park School, Renukah Atwell, said: “Being presented with the Beacon Award is an incredible achievement, which reflects the dedicated, ongoing commitment of our brilliant staff, wonderful students and supportive parents to transforming the lives of our autistic young people. It also reflects our passion for helping other professionals develop their skills and confidence when working with neurodivergent young people.”
Pupils at Grange Park School with head teacher Renukah Atwell celebrating their UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award
UNICEF UK recognises commitment to children’s rights
Adding to this success, Grange Park has also been awarded UNICEF UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award. This accolade, also the programme’s highest, is reserved for schools that have fully embedded the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child into their curriculum and everyday practice.
The Gold Award demonstrates that children at Grange Park learn about their rights — but also experience them in action through the school’s culture of respect, inclusion, and pupil voice.
Nearly 5,000 schools across the UK participate in UNICEF’s Rights Respecting Schools initiative — including specialist provisions like Grange Park. Research from the programme shows benefits ranging from improved wellbeing and behaviour to stronger relationships, reduced bullying and enhanced teaching and learning.
By achieving Gold, Grange Park joins just over 600 schools nationally that have reached this standard.
A school leading change
Receiving both Beacon Status and UNICEF’s Gold Award highlights the school’s exceptional contribution to both autism education and children’s rights. It is a milestone that not only celebrates what the school has achieved, but also signals its commitment to continue driving change.
“Achieving not just one, but two major national awards, really shows how much the staff and pupils put into making the school a supportive and inspiring place.”
Beverley Fordham, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “This is fantastic news for Grange Park School and for the whole community. Achieving not just one, but two major national awards, really shows how much the staff and pupils put into making the school a supportive and inspiring place.
"Grange Park has always gone above and beyond for its young people, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised. Everyone involved should feel incredibly proud. These achievements really do make a difference to children and families across Kent.”
