Welcome to Radio City School (formerly known as Aspire Scotland) in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire. We are an independent, specialist school providing education and care services to children and young people aged 8-18 years with a wide range of complex needs. This includes an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), learning difficulties, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), child sexual exploitation (CSE), emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD), and other behaviours that may challenge. Our young people have often had negative experiences in school with substantial gaps in their education.
Pupils attending Radio City can also live at one of our associated children’s homes, located close to the school and within the beautiful Ayrshire countryside.
Unlocking the potential of each young person we support
Our aim at Radio City is to unlock the potential of our students so they develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to enjoy a brighter future.
We offer a warm and nurturing environment, where pupils receive the support they need to develop emotionally and socially, and prepare to learn again. Our highly experienced and dedicated staff team make learning feel worthwhile and enjoyable for our young people. They build positive and meaningful connections so that pupils feel secure, understood and valued, with a sense of belonging to our school and the wider community.
A personalised learning environment
The young people at Radio City are at the heart of everything that we do and staff members are focused on their unique individual needs. We are committed to delivering individually tailored educational support, which is shaped by our students’ individual strengths, needs, preferences and life goals. Our aim is to enable our students to develop and progress socially, emotionally and academically, all within a caring and highly supportive environment.
We have ambitious expectations for our students in all aspects of school life. We are dedicated to guiding them every step of the way along their personalised learning journey, and supporting them to feel positive and hopeful about their future. With our specialist support, the young people in our care are empowered to build the social and independence skills they need to make positive transitions to further learning or employment.
Providing enriching outdoor learning experiences
We offer extensive opportunities to learn outdoors, with young people benefiting from rewarding and enriching activities, including horse riding, water sports, cycling and hiking, and we are a registered Duke of Edinburgh’s Award site. These activities all build confidence and self-esteem while developing skills for life, such as teamwork and communication.
Consistent wraparound education, care and support
With a number of children’s homes associated with Radio City, young people benefit from the same consistent approach across residential care and education, which extends the positive impact of our support. The school staff team work closely with residential care staff to provide integrated care that gives each child the best possible chance to succeed.
To maintain consistency and continuity for young people who need this support, we offer learning experiences throughout the school holidays, which are shaped by what young people tell us they need.
A commitment to safety and welfare
Our robust safeguarding culture means that the safety and welfare of our students is at the forefront of everything we do, and we are well-equipped to protect the vulnerable young people in our care.
I am very proud of our school and the inspiring achievements of our young people. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to arrange a visit to see Radio City for yourself.
Louise Coleman
Head Teacher at Radio City School
Our specialist services
The range of services and facilities available at Radio City School include:
- A warm, welcoming and relaxed environment for pupils, with high staff to pupil ratios
- A robust and effective safeguarding culture where pupil safety and welfare are prioritised
- An individualised curriculum, with learning and support completely tailored to the individual
- A focus on developing meaningful, trusting working relationships between pupils and staff
- A committed, caring and highly experienced multidisciplinary team providing a cohesive, consistent approach to learning
- Opportunities to experience learning in a range of contexts, including outdoors and off-site
- Access to external community support, including CAMHS, therapists and counsellors
- A wide range of planned activities and work experience opportunities
Achieving positive outcomes for our young people
In 2020/21, our students achieved the following positive transitions and outcomes:
- 3 students transitioned to mainstream schools
- 100% of leavers moved on to further education with college placements