Rooted in Relationships. Growing Through Care.

At The Orchard School, our story begins with a clear purpose: to create a space where children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs feel seen, supported, and safe enough to flourish.

Our vision is built on the belief that behaviour is communication — and that when we listen carefully, build trust, and provide the right environment, every child can grow. From our earliest days, we’ve focused not on control, but connection. Not on compliance, but care. And not on fitting pupils into boxes — but helping them shape their own futures.

As a cross-phase SEMH school serving pupils from Year 2 to Year 11, we understand the complexity and diversity of the needs our young people bring. Some arrive with trauma, others with unmet needs, disrupted educational journeys, or a deep mistrust of school. Our job is to show them that learning can feel different here — because it is different here.

Our ethos is underpinned by the principles of Therapeutic Thinking and guided by The Orchard Way — a whole-school approach that champions emotional safety, restorative relationships, and consistent, compassionate support.

This isn’t just a strategy. It’s who we are.

Walk through our corridors and you’ll see it in action:

• In the calm tone of a restorative conversation.
• In the tailored classroom environments that reflect our pupils’ sensory needs.
• In the shared laughter, quiet reassurance, and daily victories — big and small.

We work in partnership with families, external professionals and, most importantly, the young people themselves. We celebrate every step forward. And when there are setbacks, we reflect and respond — always through the lens of care.

As we continue to grow, so does our commitment: to evolve, to lead with integrity, and to remain rooted in our core belief that Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares.

Mission, Vision & Values

Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares.

Our Mission

At The Orchard School, Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares.

Our ethos is rooted in the belief that every child has the potential to grow, thrive and succeed when provided with the right environment, relationships and support.

The Orchard Way guides everything we do — ensuring our approach is therapeutic, inclusive, and centred on understanding behaviour as communication. We are committed to nurturing the social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs of our pupils, recognising their unique challenges while celebrating their individuality.

Through strong relationships and a culture of care, we create a school where every pupil feels safe, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Our Vision

Our vision is to nurture a therapeutic and inclusive learning community where every pupil, family, and staff member feels valued, understood, and supported.

Rooted in the principles of Therapeutic Thinking, we aim to create an environment where:

• Everyone Matters – Every individual’s strengths, challenges, and potential are recognised and celebrated, fostering a culture of belonging and respect.
• Everyone Cares – Relationships are at the heart of everything we do, underpinned by empathy, collaboration, and mutual accountability.

Through tailored support, a holistic curriculum, and a commitment to understanding behaviour as communication, we empower all pupils to thrive — academically, socially and emotionally.

Together, we build a resilient community ready to embrace challenges, inspire growth, and shape a brighter future.

Our Core Values

We are currently co-developing a set of school values that reflect the voices of pupils, staff and families — rooted in our therapeutic ethos and lived out every day throughout The Orchard School.

Our Values – The Orchard Way

These six values shape our daily practice. They guide how we think, act, and treat each other:

1. Trust

We build strong, safe and respectful relationships that you can rely on.

2. Belonging

Everyone is welcome here. We celebrate difference and create a community where you are accepted and valued.

3. Aspiration

We support each other to aim high, try hard and grow beyond expectations.

4. Voice

Every voice matters. We listen with respect and speak up with confidence.

5. Pride

We take pride in our school, our work, and ourselves. We recognise effort and celebrate progress.

6. Curiosity

We ask questions and seek to understand, responding with curiosity instead of judgement.