Headteacher's Welcome

A Warm Welcome to Life Skills Manor for Autism

Our purpose is simple: to prepare every child for a happy, healthy, and successful life. We believe education is far more than exam results , it’s about building confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a strong sense of self.

Our curriculum is broad, carefully sequenced and designed to equip students with the knowledge and life skills they’ll need as adults. Alongside this, we offer tailored support for wellbeing, academic progress, and personal development, ensuring every young person feels seen, supported and able to thrive.

Life at Life Skills Manor for Autism is rich with opportunities. From trips and workshops to talk shops, bespoke work experience, and careers events. We open doors that help students discover their passions and prepare for life beyond school.

We are incredibly proud of our community and the young people who make it so special. I warmly invite you to explore our website and see what makes Life Skills Manor for Autism such a vibrant and nurturing place to learn and be a part of.

Mickey Capeling, Headteacher

Mickey Capeling, Headteacher

Outstanding OFSTED Report 2025

Life Skills Manor are proud to have received an Outstanding OFSTED Report from our inspection 4-6 March 2025. Read the full report here.

See the Report

" Secondary ASC children of East Kent can now engage in a specialised curriculum that develops independence through learning transferable life skills that also brings about the highest possible academic progress and standards "

Welcome to Life Skills Manor for Autism

Registered with the Department for Education and opened in January 2022

The journey for Life Skills Manor School started in 2015 proposed as a Special Free School.

The original proposer team consisted of educational experts that had a range of experience in SEND but more importantly consisted of parents with children with Autism.

During the original proposal the steering group formulated a Life Skills curriculum based upon the views of parent led groups hence the life skills element of the school. Unfortunately the project was shelved pending political obstacles associated with Free Schools.

In 2020, we were able to proceed with the Life Skills Manor proposal but in the form as a self-governing provision. We are delighted to report that we are now an independent special registered with the Department for Education and opened in January 2022.

As a parent of a child with Autism I understand the challenges we face on a daily basis and we have designed Life Skills Manor in the knowledge of our children becoming independent as they move into adulthood. Our school has been in the making for many years and we are so excited to have opened our doors in January 2022 and be delivering our curriculum that embeds 'skills for life'.