Thomas Bewick School is an all age (3-19 years) school offering specialist provision for children and young people with autism in Newcastle upon Tyne. They are focused on pupil-centred learning, promoting an environment which is welcoming, creative, inclusive, interactive and caring.

Due to increasing numbers, funding was obtained for alterations to All Saints College allowing Thomas Bewick School to relocate their sixth form pupils to a purpose designed learning area within part of the existing All Saints School building.

This included remodelling of the existing sixth form area into the north east corner of All Saints College to provide a new self-contained multi use learning space for between 24 and 30 pupils ages 17 – 19 years, from Thomas Bewick School and their teaching staff.

Newcastle City Council, commissioned Aura to undertake the design and construction of the proposed works within the former All Saints College buildings in 2014. A similar scheme was successfully completed by Aura in 2013. Meetings were held with representatives of Newcastle City Council, Aura and Thomas Bewick School to develop the brief into a design which would provide the increase in capacity of Thomas Bewick School to meet their future needs.

The overall remodelled design increased the current space by 6 new Classrooms with Storage and Quiet rooms, an Art and Design and Design Technology room, and a Music room together with two large flexible use breakout spaces. There are also now a number of new Staff rooms and Meeting rooms as well as a new Occupational Therapy and a Sensory room. The existing courtyard became an enclosed space, forming a Multi use Hall with dining for up to 48 pupils.

A new visitor entrance and reception area for the school has been created with adjacent general office, staff offices and parent/meeting rooms. Pupils will access their learning areas directly without passing through the main reception. All facilities have been designed according to the special needs of the Thomas Bewick pupils, including two new Hygiene rooms containing both an accessible WC and accessible shower.