We work hard each day to get the right balance of challenge and support for each child.
A calm place
Ofsted described our environment as relaxed and informal. That is on purpose. There are no bells, no crowds, no queuing, and nobody shouts. We are a trauma-informed school where ongoing staff development is aimed at meeting the needs of our students.
Fewer demands, not lower expectations
We reduce the number of things a student has to manage at once – the noise, the crowd, the unpredictability, the standing up in front of everyone. What we do not reduce is what we think they are capable of.
Students here work towards real qualifications.
Being known
All of our staff know each student. Someone will usually notice a difficult day before it becomes a difficult day.
Success first, difficulty later
Students who feel they have failed in school may not risk trying again without feeling supported and safe. We work at building success early on so our students begin to feel confidence and then we build from there.
Support beyond lessons
Pastoral and mentoring support is available where your child can access and talk to a key worker. We also have specialist support through Clinical Psychologist and educational psychology specialising in dyslexia. This supports emotional wellbeing and academic progress as needed.
Working with you
You know your child better than we do. We would rather hear from you when something is brewing at home than find out afterwards.
If you are used to your phone ringing only when there’s a problem, we want to change that experience completely.
We communicate in the way that suits your family best: text, email, or phone. Every week, we’ll share the moments of progress and success your child experienced, alongside gentle, open conversations about what we’re working on together next.
Our values
Gratitude, respect, integrity and teamwork — GRIT. What they mean here.
