Harry Watts Academy

Harry Watts Academy is a split site specialist provision for autistic children and young people aged 5-16 years in Sunderland. The pupils at Harry Watts Academy all have complex learning needs associated with Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) and all pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

The curriculum at Harry Watts Academy is based on the understanding that each child and young person may see the world and learn in a very different way. There is therefore the commitment from all staff, to personalise the curriculum to the unique qualities and needs of each pupil, and a teaching and learning approach that is flexible and informed by specialist knowledge of the strengths and difficulties associated with ASC in general. 

The academy opened in September 2020 in a temporary satellite provision based at the former Harraton Primary School in Washington. Pupils and staff transitioned into the new purpose-built school building in April 2021, on the former Bishop Harland Primary School site in Sunderland. In September 2022, the Harraton site re-opened after a second extensive refurbishment. Pupils on the Engage and Explore Pathways of the school's curriculum are based at the Redhouse site in Sunderland, and pupils on the Discover Pathway are based at the Harraton site, Washington. 

Harry Watts Academy Journey