Aurora Fairway Story: Real Life in a SEND School
Learning Beyond the Classroom at Aurora Fairway
I’ve had the privilege of visiting Aurora Fairway in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, several times over the years, watching the school grow and its students thrive. Fairway supports young people aged 11–16 with autism, social, emotional, and communication needs, providing a calm, respectful environment where learning is about so much more than exams. I’ve photographed lessons both on site and off site, from classroom activities to horse riding and golf sessions, capturing how students build life skills, confidence, and independence alongside their academic studies. It’s always inspiring to see how the staff nurture real connection and trust with their pupils. Over time, it’s been wonderful to document the spirit of growth, care, and everyday achievement that makes Aurora Fairway such a special place.
A calm, residential home in Cambridgeshire. At Aurora Orchard Manor, I captured everyday moments that reflect the dignity, warmth, and humanity of life in residential care.
As a charity photographer, I create emotive portraits for Breast Cancer Now case studies to share powerful stories with sensitivity.
Documentary-style photography at Aurora Fairway SEND School, capturing growth, confidence, and connection in real-life learning on and off site.
I had the joy of photographing Jodie Whittaker at a Tender charity workshop in Wood Green, London. As a charity photographer, my role was to capture the warmth, creativity, and energy of the day. Jodie, a Tender Ambassador, joined Year 9 students at Mulberry Academy Woodside for a Valentine’s event exploring healthy relationships through theatre and discussion.
This portrait captures Ethan at home, navigating life after a serious accident. A story of resilience, support, vulnerability, and uncertain new beginnings.
Natural documentary-style photography at Aurora Foxes SEND College, telling stories of independence, learning, and support.
Lifestyle photography for Breast Cancer Now pamphlets and internal marketing, capturing sensitive, supportive imagery for patients and their journeys.
Specialist school photography at Aurora Rowan School, UK—highlighting vibrant, emotional, authentic moments between students and staff in a caring SEND environment.
There is a wonderful sense of community at Aurora Meldreth Manor, a school providing education, care, and therapeutic support for children and young people aged 6–19 with severe, profound, and multiple learning difficulties.
My focus was on capturing the genuine connections between students, teaching assistants, and teachers — moments full of care, trust, and warmth. Through natural, documentary-style school photography, I aimed to reflect the inclusive environment that makes Meldreth Manor so special.
Natural and candid portrait sessions in London that showcase authentic personalities—perfect for websites, careers pages, and modern promotional materials.
Documentary-style event photography for Tender Charity’s “Conversations with Men” panel in London, featuring Nazir Afzal, Dan Snow, and Olivia Colman.
I recently had the chance to photograph Aurora Hedgeway School in Pilning, near Bristol. Capturing everyday moments at this fantastic specialist school, part of the Aurora Group. Hedgeway supports young people aged 7 to 19 with communication and social needs, offering a warm, inclusive environment.
Through natural portraits and documentary-style imagery, my aim was to show how the school helps students grow in confidence, build life skills, and feel supported every day.You can see more of their photographs here Aurora Hedgeway
If you're a charity, trust, or organisation looking to visually communicate your work through real, honest photography, I’d love to hear from you.
A few months after a life-altering accident, Ethan invited me to photograph him as he began adjusting to life with prosthetics. He wanted to be seen, not hidden, and to make a statement: This is who I am now.
These first portraits mark the beginning of his journey, taken on the day he was leaving hospital and starting to navigate life independently. They may not be my most polished images, but they hold something far more meaningful: honesty, trust, and Ethan’s quiet strength.
Photographing Breast Cancer Now’s inspiring annual fashion show - candid images and portraits of real breast cancer patient models raising awareness and support.
Video interviews combined with photography for Aurora Group, sharing real voices from staff, parents, and teachers across their specialist schools.