The following are examples of Parents Testimonials the school has received:
“Dear Sarah, Daniel, Ewan, and every staff member at Danesgate.
Before our son joined Danesgate, we were losing the child we knew and loved. His self esteem was at an all time low, he had become withdrawn and unhappy, and we were watching him turn into someone we barely recognised. We lived in constant worry, fearing phone calls and wondering what each day would bring.
Danesgate has changed his life, and ours.
The young man we see today is someone we are incredibly proud of. He has regained his confidence, his happiness, and most importantly, himself. We have our son back. We now look forward to hearing from school instead of fearing it, and for the first time in a long time we feel excited and hopeful for the future.
The impact Danesgate has had, reaches far beyond education. It has transformed our family life. We have been able to return to work, enjoy life again, and look ahead with optimism instead of anxiety.
Most importantly, thank you from an entire household. Thank you from a child who is no longer fearing school, parents who can breathe again, and from a little brother who no longer fears growing up watching someone he loves struggle.
We will never be able to fully express our gratitude for what Danesgate has given our son and our family.
Thank you!
From the whole family!
Parent of a Year 9 pupil in TalkAbout Provision (June 2026)
“This gift is for all of you — the teachers, support staff, office staff. A small token of our thanks and appreciation.
Every single person who has helped shape my child’s journey at your school — whether you have helped directly in the classroom or by creating an environment where they could thrive — please know that you have made an impact. You made a difference. You played a part in helping him take important steps towards his future.
Over the years, my son has grown so much, in so many ways. Thank you for all you have done along the way.
You understand how hard the world can be for some children — so overwhelming and confusing. You have given him not just understanding, but patience and compassion. Not just education, but care and belief in him as a person — now, always and forever.
Thank you.”
Parent of a Year 11 pupils in Steps Provision (June 2025)
“To all the Bridge team and anyone else that has supported my son over the last two years! I would like to thank you all for the support you have given him and myself. The turnaround my boy has made with your help is amazing- and at times I thought I would never see this happen. You all have such a positive influence on the pupils you teach. I want to thank you all immensely!”
Parent of a Year 11 pupils in Bridge Provision (June 2025)
“This message makes me feel like it’s all worth it. Thank you. Credit to you guys too, I know he can be a lot!. He’s going from strength to strength. Thank you”
Parent following positive feedback (September 2024)
Dear Mr Nichols, Mr Horsley and Mrs McKinley,
I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to you all and to the staff at Danesgate.
My son, XXX, started in PC5 in September. Up until this point we had home educated XXX, because we recognised that mainstream education could not meet his needs and that putting him into a school system without the right support in place would have been detrimental to him. We fought to get an EHCP so that he could access a specialist setting. Of all of the schools that we consulted with, both within York and out of area, Danesgate was the only one that could meet need and that offered him a place.
We are so very thankful that Danesgate gave him this opportunity and we owe the staff and school such a debt of gratitude for the fantastic work they have done with him this year.
We are continually amazed by the staff. Their level of dedication, commitment, compassion and the deep understanding they have of their pupils is incredible. There isn’t one member of staff that we have met that isn’t so friendly, kind and welcoming and who doesn’t go above and beyond to look after both XXX and us as a family.
When we applied for XXX’s EHCP, when asked what we would like to see for XXX’s education. Our response was as follows:
‘We want him to be somewhere that embraces him for who he is, and shows complete understanding and acceptance of his challenges and who will support him wholeheartedly in learning to overcome these. We want him to be in a school where these are promoted as being positive, where his self-esteem and self-confidence can be built because he is valued for being exactly where he is’.
Danesgate has met our wishes and then some! We genuinely could not have asked for a more wonderful school and a more wonderful set of staff. XXX has thrived this year, he has grown in confidence, his self-esteem is flourishing and he has loved his first year at school. The progress he had made has been incredible. But most importantly to us, he is happy.
To see XXX held in such high regard, to be nurtured and guided with such compassion is everything you want to see as a parent.
Danesgate is a very special place and we are very grateful that XXX is here. Your staff are the most dedicated we have ever seen.
Letter from a parent to thank staff. July 2024