A Place for Growth, Learning, and Independence

Nestled in the peaceful, leafy parklands of the Balcombe Heights Estate in Baulkham Hills, Woodbury is more than just a school—we are a close-knit community dedicated to empowering autistic students to reach their fullest potential. As a small, independent school for children from Kindergarten to Year 6, we provide a nurturing, inspiring environment where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Our tailored approach focuses on preparing students for successful transitions to less supported settings, ensuring each child feels safe, valued, and inspired to learn and grow.

Our Vision

At Woodbury, we believe every child has the right to learn, grow, and achieve independence. Our vision is to create a safe, caring, and enjoyable educational environment that helps students develop essential skills for a happy and independent future.

Using evidence-based teaching methods, grounded in the principles of Today’s Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), we focus on the core areas that support a child’s success:

  • Functional communication
  • Toleration and transitions
  • Social and leisure skills

Our ultimate goal is for every student to participate in less restrictive settings, whether that means transitioning to a mainstream support class, engaging more fully in their community, or achieving greater independence in their daily lives.

Why Choose Woodbury?

Woodbury is the only school of its kind in NSW and the first in Australia, offering a program specifically designed for autistic students. Our unique approach bridges the gap between early intervention and formal schooling, helping children build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in educational settings and beyond.

Many students come to Woodbury with excellent early learning skills, but applying those skills in a structured school environment often requires additional support and guidance. That’s where we step in, providing the tools and strategies children need to flourish in a school setting.

Woodbury Autism Education

Individualised Learning

At Woodbury, every student is unique, and so is their education. Each child receives a personalised Individualised Education Plan (IEP), developed in collaboration with parents, teachers, and specialists. This plan:

  • Reflects the student’s strengths, challenges, and learning style.
  • Incorporates NSW national curriculum standards.
  • Utilises specialised programs such as Essentials for Living (EFL) and the Behavioural Health Index (BHI) to support functional learning and behavioural growth.

We continuously adapt and update each plan as students progress, ensuring their education evolves with their needs.

Teaching for Independence

At Woodbury, our philosophy is that learning happens everywhere—not just in the classroom. Our teaching philosophy centres on fostering independence and success in a variety of settings. Our teaching is fluid and flexible, and to achieve this:

  • Classes are grouped by ability, ensuring every student receives the appropriate level of support and challenge.
  • Instruction occurs fluidly across different contexts, helping students generalise their skills.
  • Teaching combines one-on-one instruction with small group activities, providing a balance of focused learning and social interaction.

By gradually reducing staffing ratios and promoting self-reliance, we prepare students for more independent participation in school and community life.

Behaviour Support: Understanding the “Why”

For many students, behaviours of concern can create barriers to learning and inclusion. At Woodbury, we approach these support needs with compassion and understanding, working to identify the underlying reasons behind behaviours and teaching replacement skills that support positive outcomes.

Our clinical team collaborates closely with:

  • Teachers and support staff.
  • Parents and carers.
  • External professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, and Behaviour Support Practitioners.

Together, we create behaviour intervention plans tailored to individual needs that help children feel understood and foster a positive and supportive learning environment.

Woodbury Autism Education

The Woodbury Experience: A Parent’s Perspective

“Woodbury’s commitment to regular communication with parents keeps us well-informed and involved in our child’s education. The school has helped our child grow in ways we never imagined. As a family, we couldn’t be happier and would highly recommend Woodbury to anyone seeking a supportive, tailored learning environment.”

“As parents of a child who started at Woodbury School midway through last year, we’re amazed by how much our child learns and grows there. The teachers truly care and go out of their way to ensure every kid receives the best education possible. They use engaging teaching methods that keep our child interested and excited about learning”

  • Preparing for Independence - As a transition school for our student population, each day is a carefully structured blend of learning, growth, and social interaction designed to support students as they prepare for less supportive settings in the future. Our students receive specialized support to develop key life skills, emotional regulation, and social understanding....

  • Helping kids learn from others is one of the most important skills they can develop. It’s the key to building healthier interactions and relationships in every area of life. Group learning—where children observe, participate, and interact with others—sets the stage for success in school, social settings, and the wider world....