Redefining education
We don't just educate; we nurture support and propel our pupils towards a future where their potential knows no bounds. Join us on a transformative journey, where education extends beyond textbooks, therapy nurtures resilience, and futures are shaped with purpose and promise.
Love of learning
At Hartwell School, our bespoke curriculum allows us to deliver learning that is accessible, engaging, and packed with adventure and discovery through educational visits and field trips to support and enhance learning experiences.
Our commitment to a well-rounded education includes a focus on social development. Through enrichment activities that promote collaboration, friendship, social interaction, and teamwork, pupils build interpersonal skills, empowering them to navigate relationships, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and succeed in diverse environments. We take pride in focusing on friendships and a strong sense of community. By doing so, children and young people learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and support one another, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Young people leave us with nationally recognised outcomes at a level that is right for them, ranging from entry-level certificates to functional skills awards, BTECs and GCSEs. This equips them to confidently take their next steps into further education, apprenticeships or employment.
Our outstanding offer
Our vocational offer enriches the learning experiences of pupils studying at Key Stages 3 and 4, offering opportunities that equip them with valuable, lifelong skills.
At Key Stage 3, Design Technology becomes a core part of our curriculum, enabling pupils to develop foundational skills. They also enjoy taster sessions to help them start exploring potential career paths.
At Key Stage 4, we offer a wide range of courses and accreditations, providing pupils with practical experiences and opportunities that prepare them for life after school, and future employment.
Our well-equipped facilities are led by teachers with industry experience, giving pupils valuable, real-world insights. This approach results in high levels of confidence, independence and enthusiasm for success in their chosen next steps. Additionally, this offer strengthens positive engagement between pupils and our team, raising aspirations and expanding career goals.
The vocational offer includes the following subjects:
• Construction
• Engineering
• Hair and Beauty
• Horticulture
Pupils that require a tailored curriculum and focused social and emotional development support are referred to the Enhanced Provision Class.
This dedicated classroom environment is managed by a skilled team of clinical, pastoral, teaching, and support professionals who ensure each pupil receives individualised support with clear, measurable goals.
The specialised classroom is designed to support the needs of pupils and allow for opportunities to build trusting relationships with teachers and highly trained teaching assistants, who consistently work to develop social and communication skills, while also developing the resilience of our pupils so that they can progress and prepare for life beyond school.
The carefully structured setting and curriculum model steadily helps our pupils to transition to their classroom where they are able to engage with learning along with their peers.
At Key Stage 4, pupils have the option to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) programme, where they explore the outdoors, engage in new activities and discover the many opportunities within the local area in a safe, supportive environment. Through the nationally recognised DofE accreditation, pupils gain valuable life skills while developing an appreciation for the outdoors.
Activities include:
• Climbing
• Hiking
• Forestry
• First Aid Training
• Expeditions
For primary and Key Stage 3 pupils, our Forest School programme, led by trained staff, provides hands-on experiences. Children and young people work together to complete tasks and develop a range of skills that are easily transferable into many aspects of their lives, including both the classroom and at home. Participating in new and exciting activities enables pupils to take calculated risks that empower them, resulting in increased confidence and intrigue for their next challenge. Working as part of a team also supports pupils in building and maintaining positive relationships with peers and teachers, enabling them to collaborate effectively and develop new skills.
We have officially partnered with the Johan Cruyff Foundation, which was set up by one of the world’s greatest sporting icons. The aim of the organisation is to support and develop sports activities for children and young people all over the world.
The school’s state of the art Cruyff Court, is an all-weather pitch which supports small group sports, including football, basketball, volleyball and netball, and an additional grassed field area. The aim of the space is where pupils can grow, make friends and improve their mental health.
Therapy
Our on-site Clinical Team provide pupils with unrivalled levels of therapeutic support, in terms of the level of expertise, the ratio of qualified therapists and clinicians to children and young people, and the range of therapies offered. Pupils have the support of our Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and other specialists as required.
We believe that unless a child or young person is able to feel emotionally safe and secure, they are less likely to fulfil their personal, social and educational potential. Our unique approach to supporting young people through our Wave Model enables them to go on to realise a future filled with aspiration and achievement.
Hartwell School's Clinical Team complete thorough and skilled assessments that support a shared understanding of the complex needs we see in our children and young people. This enables us to put purposeful and appropriate interventions in place and assess our effectiveness through the tracking of outcomes and impact.
Futures
At Hartwell School we are dedicated to raising the aspirations of our pupils, while also equipping them with the skills and confidence to realise outstanding outcomes. The Futures programme inspires and connects pupils with their next steps beyond education, utilising a growing network of over 350 employer partnerships, including the likes of Microsoft, Mercedes and John Lewis, to provide outstanding experiences of the workplace and ongoing opportunities and support. Our Futures sessions provide practical guidance on job applications, confidence-building, networking, and workplace expectations, giving children and young people the tools to navigate their career paths with clarity. Complementing this, our Futures curriculum enriches academic growth while developing personal development and career readiness, ensuring they are prepared for their chosen paths. With no upper age limit on support, the programme boasts a 100% success rate in transitioning students into education, employment, or training.