Welcome to Eton Dorney Independent Therapeutic School 

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Eton Dorney Independent Therapeutic School—a specialist provision for pupils in Years 4 to 11 (ages 8–16) who may experience Social, Emotional and Mental Health Difficulties and/or have a diagnosis of Autism or associated conditions.

At Eton Dorney, we believe that education is a journey, not a destination. Every child is unique, and we are proud to offer a nurturing, inclusive environment where pupils are warmly received, understood, and encouraged to aim high. Our mission is to help each young person fulfil their potential—not just academically, but in life skills, resilience, kindness, and self-belief.

Many of the pupils who attend Eton Dorney have not found success in their education elsewhere. Here, they rebuild trust, rediscover their desire to learn, and begin to thrive. From often lower-than-expected starting points, our pupils achieve exceptionally well academically. By the time they leave us at the end of Year 11, they hold relevant qualifications that support their next steps—whether in further education, training, or employment.

Staff at Eton Dorney are confident and skilled in building positive relationships that help to break down barriers, build self-esteem, and challenge disaffection. Our teachers and support staff are highly trained to meet the needs of individual pupils, ensuring that every child receives the personalised support they need to flourish.

I feel incredibly privileged to lead this exceptional school. Our dedicated team is committed to creating a safe, creative, and inspiring learning environment where pupils flourish both within and beyond the classroom. We work closely with families, local authorities, and professionals to ensure that every child’s strengths and interests are recognised and celebrated. Together, we build a community rooted in trust, respect, compassion, and integrity.

We understand that sustained success is only possible when wellbeing is placed at the heart of the learning process. That’s why we prioritise the emotional and mental health of our pupils and staff, fostering a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered.

Places at Eton Dorney are commissioned by several local authorities, including Slough, West Berkshire, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Buckinghamshire, and Reading. All pupils referred to our school have an Education, Health and Care Plan, and we take pride in tailoring our approach to meet each child’s individual needs.

Whether you are a parent seeking a high-performing, compassionate school for your child, a professional looking to join a rewarding and dynamic team, or a young person curious about what we offer—we invite you to explore Eton Dorney. This website offers just a glimpse into our vibrant school life, and we warmly welcome visits from anyone who wishes to learn more.

Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Tom Boardman
Headteacher