Mother Devastated After Daughter Excluded from School Trip Following Autism Diagnosis

Michelle, 40, said her daughter—a student at The Wilnecote School—was looking forward to a one-day theatre trip to London, having developed a strong passion for the performing arts. The family had booked and paid for the trip six months in advance.

However, just before the Easter holidays began, Michelle received an unexpected email from the school stating that her daughter would no longer be allowed to attend. The message, sent on Friday, April 10, explained the school had made “the difficult decision to remove her from the trip.”

“We are absolutely heartbroken,” Michelle told BirminghamLive. “This was done without any discussion with us as her parents. Yes, they offered a full refund, but it’s not about the money. All of her friends are still going.”

Michelle’s daughter, described as quiet and well-behaved with no history of behavioural issues, was diagnosed with autism in January. The diagnosis came after the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) encouraged the family to seek a private assessment.

Michelle and her husband took out a loan to secure appropriate support for their daughter. Yet despite their efforts, the school cited concerns over staffing, safeguarding, and the possibility of the child becoming “overwhelmed” as reasons for excluding her from the trip. The school claimed it was in her “best interest” not to attend.

Michelle believes the decision is discriminatory.

“She’s probably been to the theatre more than anyone else in her class,” she said. “We go to London five or six times a year. She was so excited—she had a countdown in her room.”

Adding to their frustration, the timing of the decision left little room for recourse. With the school closed for Easter and the trip scheduled for the first week back, the family had limited time to respond or propose alternative arrangements.

Michelle said her daughter holds an Access Card, which would allow a parent to accompany her and provide support if needed.

“We would’ve happily made arrangements to help,” Michelle explained. “We could have travelled separately and stayed nearby, but the school never gave us that opportunity.”

She also referenced the Department for Education’s SEND Code of Practice, which encourages collaboration between schools and families, and prioritizes inclusion of children with additional needs.

“The school talks about inclusion, but this action feels completely contradictory—especially during Autism Inclusion Month, right after an assembly celebrating autistic learners.”

In response, a spokesperson for The Wilnecote School said:

“We are proud to be an inclusive school. The number of students with additional needs, including autism, participating in this excursion reflects that. The school has maintained regular contact with the family to offer broader support and ensure access to the full curriculum. All decisions regarding the trip have been made in that context. A further review is planned, and we remain committed to working with the family.”

A Tamworth mother has shared her distress after her 12-year-old daughter was excluded from a school trip shortly after receiving an autism diagnosis.

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