At Octopus, we’re incredibly proud to support businesses that don’t just deliver results, but deliver impact. The Aurora Group is a perfect example.
Since its founding in 2015 by a group of experienced educators determined to do things differently, Aurora has become one of the UK’s largest and most respected providers of specialist education and care for children, young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
From the outset, our vision at Octopus aligned closely with Aurora’s mission: to provide high-quality, person-centred education and care, enabling each individual to thrive and fulfil their potential. It’s been our privilege to be part of their journey – helping to unlock sites, provide strategic input, and support their continued growth and innovation.
A growing force for good
Aurora’s progress over the past nine years has been nothing short of exceptional. Starting with just a handful of staff and services, Aurora now supports over 1,200 individuals across 29 registered services – including specialist schools, colleges, and adult care homes. Over 1,500 talented and committed staff make this possible every day.
And the results speak for themselves:
- 98% of Aurora’s school leavers move on to further education, training or employment.
- 91% of all services are rated good or outstanding.
- Aurora achieved B Corp reaccreditation with an increased score, underscoring its long-term commitment to social impact and operational excellence.
- 2024 alone saw the group support 15% more individuals, win the TES Special School of the Year award, and launch exciting new partnerships with charities including Dogs for Autism and Wilderness Foundation UK.
Their dedication to empowering people is perhaps best captured in their name. Just as the Aurora Borealis emerges when all the right conditions align, Aurora brings together education, care and therapy to help individuals shine in their own unique and inspiring way.
A new chapter of leadership
As Aurora continues its mission, we’re delighted to welcome Kelvin Donald as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 2025. With a track record of building Welbeck Health Partners into one of the UK’s leading private healthcare providers, Kelvin brings deep experience in growing purpose-led organisations.
Kelvin takes the reins from Mark Costello, who steps into the role of Chairman after five transformational years as CEO. Mark has played a central role in Aurora’s evolution into a market leader and we’re thrilled he’ll continue to help guide its future.
This is a pivotal moment for Aurora. The demand for SEND services has increased and the need for high-quality, inclusive support has never been greater. Under Kelvin’s leadership and with our continued backing, Aurora is poised to meet that challenge head-on.
Why we’re proud
At Octopus, we are proud of the life-changing impact our Aurora schools have on students. As the UK’s only B Corp-accredited provider of education for those with additional needs, Aurora plays a vital role in our education system, offering exceptional and specialist support to more than a thousand young people and adults.
Our approach is long-term and values-driven. From the very beginning, we saw Aurora not just as an investment, but as a partner in a shared mission: to ensure that vulnerable children and adults are not left behind.
To date, Octopus has invested over £100 million in Aurora and we are committed to increasing the availability of school places across the country — helping to ensure more young people get access to the specialist education they deserve. We’ve helped fund new services, refurbish and repurpose underused buildings, and scale operations to meet growing demand. But most importantly, we’ve witnessed the life-changing outcomes Aurora delivers every single day.
Whether it’s a student at Foxes Academy gaining their first paid job, a young person finding belonging in a newly built school, or a family finally feeling supported after years of uncertainty, Aurora is making a real difference – and we are honoured to be part of it.
Looking ahead
Over the next 25 years, Aurora aims to transform the lives of children and young people with SEND – both in the UK and internationally. With innovation, compassion and excellence at its core, we believe there is no limit to what they can achieve.
To everyone at Aurora – thank you for everything you do. You continue to inspire us, and we look forward to supporting you in the next chapter of your journey.
