welcome to
First Bridge SCHOOL
*PLEASE Excuse our website’s appearance… our new site launches Spring 2026!*
First Bridge School is a leading provider of early intervention and education for pupils with autism and related developmental conditions. We support pupils between the ages of two and nine years old at our purpose-designed school site in Imperial Wharf, Chelsea.
We utilise cutting-edge research and an evidence-based practice therapy model to provide intensive therapy, tailored to each pupil’s individual needs, supporting the development of speech, language, social, play, emotional, and cognitive abilities.
The First Bridge model synthesises the best-known practice from education, with scientifically validated, evidence-based teaching principles and procedures, to maximise every child’s potential for learning. We are committed to providing high-quality education that supports both academic and social development.
Our curricula are bespoke to each pupil’s needs, motivation, and individual learning trajectory. Our school model integrates academic and personal development. Every pupil is valued and celebrated for their successes and what these hold for them and their future.
Our curriculum model and learning pathways focus on integrating each pupil’s individual therapy programme, with carefully selected components from the national curriculum and the overarching culture and ethos of our school. We provide our pupils with the specialist curriculum and environment they need to thrive and learn, alongside rich and diverse exposure to new knowledge, life and experiences. We emphasise the acquisition of life skills as a crucial component of our curriculum. Always providing just enough support to ensure success, but continually on a journey to independence and fulfilment. We also engage with the wider community to enhance our pupils’ learning experiences.
Are you concerned about
your child’s development?
Upcoming Events And Open Days
Supporting Your Child Without a Diagnosis Webinar
Signs of Autism in Toddlers: A Guide for Parents of Children Aged 1–5 Years For parents and carers who suspect their child may have additional needs but have not yet received or are not seeking a formal diagnosis. Supporting Your Child Without a DiagnosisNavigating...
Signs of Autism in Toddlers Webinar
Signs of Autism in Toddlers: A Guide for Parents of Children Aged 1–5 Years Learn about the common signs of autism in toddlers aged 1-5 to help parents better understand and support their child's development. What Are the Signs of Autism in Toddlers? An Online Guide...
Baby and Toddler Development Milestones Webinar
Baby and Toddler Development Milestones: What to Expect from 0–48 Months f your child is missing milestones like talking or social skills, early intervention can make all the difference. "My 15-month-old isn't talking yet — should I be worried?" It's completely normal...
Read our blog
Special Educational Needs & Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a powerful reminder that difference is not something to fix. It is something to understand, respect and nurture. However, for many families of children with special education needs, the journey can feel complex. Navigating...
First Bridge School
A Specialist School for Autism and Special Educational Needs in London Finding the right school for your child can feel overwhelming. You may have spent months researching special educational needs provision, speaking with your local authority, reviewing EHCP options,...
The Power of Play: Therapeutic Learning for Children with Autism
Therapeutic learning is a structured, evidence-based approach that integrates applied behaviour analysis with education, using purposeful play to develop communication, social skills, emotional regulation, and independence in children aged 2 to 9.Webinar: The Power of...
What People Say About First Bridge School
My 5-year-old autistic son attended the First Bridge School for three months this spring. Before First Bridge, he struggled with echolalia, often repeating questions instead of answering. By the end of the program, he could answer over 80% of questions with “yes” or “no” and learned to recognize and use names. His progress amazed his regular school teachers. I highly recommend First Bridge School.
First Bridge School has been a transformative experience for my child. The staff at First Bridge are exceptionally empathetic and cooperative, giving me complete peace of mind whenever I leave my child in their care. My child feels both safe and happy at school, and I highly recommend it to any parent seeking a supportive environment for a child with autism or other developmental conditions.
First Bridge is the first educational placement where my son is truly valued. He used to hate going to nursery, but now he wants to go to First Bridge even on weekends. The professional and well-trained team sees his full potential and tailors a program based on his needs and strengths. His rapid progress has led to an early program revision, and he gains new skills daily. The dedicated team supports him with love and encourages his confidence, while also supporting us as parents. We can’t recommend First Bridge enough. Thank you for your help and support!
My son has had an amazing experience here. The school is staffed with energetic and highly specialised therapists and teachers who are exceptionally trained. We have noticed a huge change and great progress. It has been a huge relief to find a school that understands how my son thinks, learns, and meets his needs at this stage in his development.
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