Thank you to everyone who has donated to our fundraising page. Your support means the world to us.

Unfortunately, despite receiving a loan, I was unable to cover the full cost of the learning support package at the school. As a result, Jack and Finn missed out on the school they loved. They had a taster day and absolutely enjoyed it, passing the entrance exam with flying colours, but without the bursary, we could not make it work financially.

As a result:

Jack will have to take fewer GCSEs, missing out on one he was excited about.

We urgently need to find a school before Christmas.

We are currently looking at other schools over an hour away, which isn’t ideal. Jack’s ADHD and Finn’s sensory needs make long commutes and early starts very challenging. Since neither child has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), they need small classes of around 15 students to manage their needs effectively.

Mainstream schools cannot accommodate them, as classes often exceed 30 students, creating overwhelming environments. Even smaller secondary schools have long waiting lists, often filled by children without additional needs. Because of this, Jack and Finn, without an EHCP, are at risk of being overlooked entirely.

Since January 2023, I have been home-educating Jack and Finn, investing £1,500 per month to give them the best possible start. Now, we urgently need your help to find a school that truly understands autism, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).

Every donation—big or small—helps close the financial gap and gives them the education they deserve.

Donate or share: https://gofund.me/93aaabc59Attachment.png.

Watch families like ours fighting for their children on BBC iPlayer: Panorama – Kellie Bright: Autism, Schools, and Families on the EdgeAttachment.png.

Our Story

Hello, my name is Dee-Dee, and I’m an autistic parent raising two incredible autistic sons, Jack (14) and Finn (12). I understand first-hand the daily challenges that families like ours face, and I am determined to give my children the opportunity to thrive.

Since January 2023, I have been home-educating Jack and Finn, investing around £1,500 a month in resources. They have made tremendous progress at home, but now they have outgrown that environment. Both need a school setting where they can flourish, with autism-friendly support.

For Jack, the situation is urgent. He is about to start Year 10, and GCSE applications close at the October half-term. Missing this window will set him back in all subjects, potentially for years. Finn, now in Year 8, also needs stability and a supportive school environment to continue his progress.

I have never asked for anything before. I work 48–57.5 hours every week in the NHS, always striving to provide for my children. But this time, we need a miracle.

The Challenge

Despite my best efforts, the cost of private education is beyond what I can manage alone. Neither child currently has an EHCP due to national backlogs and delayed diagnoses. Access to smaller school classes is vital for their well-being and development.

We were awarded an external bursary covering 20% of fees. Unfortunately, the school’s bursary allocation for this year is already full, leaving us with a significant financial gap. Jack and Finn are inseparable, and both need this opportunity equally. Separating them is not an option.

How You Can Help:

Donate: Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps cover tuition, books, uniforms, and essentials. Even £10 or £20 makes a real difference.

Share: Please share this page with friends, family, and communities who may be able to support Jack and Finn.

Every donation brings us closer to giving them the safe, understanding, and supportive school they deserve.

Donate or share: https://gofund.me/93aaabc59Attachment.png.