Sydney, NSW – Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is proud to announce the opening of Aspect Hills Shire School, a new purpose-built, autism-specific primary school. The new school will provide a tailored learning environment for up to 72 students on the autism spectrum from Kindergarten to Year 6.
Located in Gables, a growing suburb in Sydney’s north-west, Aspect Hills Shire School has been thoughtfully designed to support the unique needs of Autistic students, with innovative and adaptable learning spaces.
The two-storey school features twelve autism-friendly classrooms, a multi-purpose hall, a sensory outdoor area, life skills kitchen, technology room and library, all designed to nurture engagement, independence and optimal learning.
Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s National Director of Education, said the new school will meet the growing demand for specialist education in the region while offering more choices for families in the Hills District.
“We are thrilled to expand into the Hills Shire, one of the fastestgrowing areas in New South Wales,” said Ms Gosling. “With Western Sydney now home to over a quarter of the state’s population, and Aspect’s latest estimate that more than 1 in 40 Australians are Autistic, the demand for specialist education continues to rise.
“More parents and carers are actively seeking schools that align with their child’s learning and developmental needs. Aspect Hills Shire School is specifically designed for Autistic students, incorporating calm spaces, specialist educators and sensory accommodations to enhance their educational experience.”
Hon. Warren Kirby, Member for Riverstone said the Aspect Hills Shire School is a welcome addition to our community. “With the recent growth in our area, our community is now home to the most young people in NSW. This has seen a dramatic uptick in students with special needs in our local schools.
“Most schools in our area are over capacity and this is particularly challenging for Autistic students. Having a school specifically designed to cater for their needs ensures they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
“The NSW Government contribution of $5 million to the Aspect Hills Shire School demonstrates the Minns Government’s commitment to providing educational facilities where every child feels supported and encouraged.”
Aspect Hills Shire School is the tenth autism-specific school to be opened by Aspect across NSW and SA. Each school is dedicated to providing targeted early intervention, expert teaching methods, small class sizes and specialised learning environments to support each student’s personal growth.
“Whether the goal is transitioning to a mainstream school or developing key life skills for future independence, Aspect’s approach ensures every child is supported in reaching their full potential,” added Ms Gosling.
The development of Aspect Hills Shire School was made possible through a $10.2 million investment jointly funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants program and Aspect.
Shane Morris, Principal of Aspect Hills Shire School, expressed his enthusiasm for the new campus: “This school represents a commitment to high-quality, autism-specific education that empowers students to thrive. We have recently welcomed our first cohort of students in K-2 and their families into this exceptional learning environment.”
ABOUT ASPECT
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the world’s biggest autism-specific schools programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum and their families to deliver distinct services, practices and research that recognise a different brilliant® – understanding, engaging and celebrating the strengths and interests of people on the autism spectrum.
