Old Farm School

Old Farm is built for young people whose education has been affected by social, emotional and mental health needs or moderate learning difficulties. Its LIFE curriculum, Learning Is For Everyone, creates an individual package around each pupil rather than treating the timetable as fixed. The setting combines academic work with practical experience and a close attention to how pupils re-engage with learning.

Project missions connect curriculum objectives with pupils’ interests. English, mathematics, science, history, geography, art, design and technology, music, cooking and baking are joined by more subject-specific lessons as pupils approach Year 10. GCSE routes and additional qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award sit alongside outdoor learning and real-life applications, giving the curriculum a practical direction.

The community has three simple rules: be ready, be respectful and be safe. Circle time, crew-based peer support and access to a trained therapist help pupils build trust and contribute to decisions. Forest school, mountain biking, horticulture, swimming, cooking and history adventures widen the offer, and each pupil is promised a residential experience during their time there. Visits form part of the admissions route.