Local MP visits the world’s first International Baccalaureate special autism school

The new Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and Member of Parliament for South East Cambridgeshire, Lucy Frazer, visited The Cavendish School on Friday 24 September to learn about the county’s first state maintained special free school provision for young people with autism, which welcomed its first students this month. The Cavendish School is also the world’s first International Baccalaureate (IB) special autism school.

During her visit, Lucy met with Stephanie Smith, Deputy Headteacher, and Ryan Kelsall, Deputy CEO of Eastern Learning Alliance, to understand the impact of specialist provision on the families of children with autism in her constituency. Frazer said: “Education is an area I am incredibly passionate about and, from my experience in national government, I understand how vital specialist provision is for neurodiverse young people and their families. It is wonderful to see the work that the school is doing to support the growing numbers of children with autism, and their families, in my constituency.”

Commenting on the visit, Smith said: “I was delighted to welcome Lucy to the school to meet with some of our students who were thrilled to meet their local MP and learn more about her role in government. Since we opened earlier this month, we have received an incredible amount of support from all areas of the community and Lucy’s visit demonstrates the impact that the school is having on the wider autistic community in Cambridgeshire.”

Follow the school on Facebook @thecavendishschool, Twitter @TCSCambs or on Instagram @TCS_Cambs.