Our History
Debbie Pester, our proprietor, recognized many years ago the growing need for specialist education catering to children aged 13 to 17 with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, but who do not exhibit behavioral difficulties. Inspired by this vision, she left her position as Head Teacher of a Pupil Referral Unit, and The Yellow House School was born.
The name “The Yellow House” was inspired by a painting of Vincent Van Gogh’s The Yellow House, a gift from Debbie’s father. She chose this symbol as it represents hope, camaraderie, and warmth—values that have become central to our school’s philosophy.
The Yellow House School first opened its doors in 2002 in Sible Hedingham with just two pupils. As the school’s success became evident, we quickly outgrew the Sible building. In 2006, we expanded by opening a second site in Clare, doubling our capacity to welcome eight more students. Today, we have a registered capacity of 15 full-time pupils or an equivalent ratio for part-time enrollment.
Our buildings are steeped in history. Parts of the Clare site date back to the 16th century, when it served as an inn, while the Sible Hedingham building, which dates to the 17th century, has previously been residential cottages, a grocery store, an antique shop, and a motorcycle dealership. Today, both sites have been transformed into warm and welcoming homes away from home.
The name “The Yellow House” was inspired by a painting of Vincent Van Gogh’s The Yellow House, a gift from Debbie’s father. She chose this symbol as it represents hope, camaraderie, and warmth—values that have become central to our school’s philosophy.
The Yellow House School first opened its doors in 2002 in Sible Hedingham with just two pupils. As the school’s success became evident, we quickly outgrew the Sible building. In 2006, we expanded by opening a second site in Clare, doubling our capacity to welcome eight more students. Today, we have a registered capacity of 15 full-time pupils or an equivalent ratio for part-time enrollment.
Our buildings are steeped in history. Parts of the Clare site date back to the 16th century, when it served as an inn, while the Sible Hedingham building, which dates to the 17th century, has previously been residential cottages, a grocery store, an antique shop, and a motorcycle dealership. Today, both sites have been transformed into warm and welcoming homes away from home.
