Welcome from the Headteacher

Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares.

Welcome to The Orchard School - a community where relationships come first, humour is part of the healing, and we never forget why we’re here: to help every child grow, thrive and succeed.

I’m proud to lead a school that places emotional safety, strong connections, and therapeutic practice at the heart of everything we do. Ours is not a mainstream setting - and proudly so. The Orchard is a specialist SEMH school where understanding, compassion, and consistency guide every interaction. Our pupils are remarkable individuals with unique stories and huge potential. It’s our job to make sure they feel safe enough to take risks, cared for enough to trust again, and supported enough to build a future they believe in.

We don’t do things by halves here. Whether it’s a moment of quiet regulation in one of our wellbeing spaces, or the sound of laughter during outdoor learning, our staff are fully committed to building relationships that matter. Relationships that change lives.

We aim high - not just for our pupils, but for ourselves. Our vision is bold: to be an SEMH school that leads with integrity, relational strength, and impact. A place others look to not because we shout the loudest, but because our pupils feel safe, our staff feel valued, and our community knows we care. That’s what excellence looks like to us - and that’s what we work towards every single day.

Whether you’re a parent, professional or potential colleague, I invite you to explore what makes The Orchard such a special place.

Warm regards,

Headteacher