Key Stage 2 Transition & Key Stage 3

Academy Provision

A nurturing, regulation-first learning environment for Years 6–9, designed to rebuild confidence, re-engage curiosity, and support young learners through pivotal transitions.

Foundation Learning Areas

Our Academy curriculum blends hands-on, nature-based experiences with foundational academic skills — tailored to each young person's interests and readiness to learn.

Animal Care and Nature Studies
Horticulture and Outdoor Learning
Creative Arts and Expression
Physical Activity and Wellbeing
Literacy and Communication
Numeracy and Problem Solving
Digital Skills and Media
Food and Nutrition
Personal Development
Crafts and Making

All sessions include Personal Development and emotional regulation as core threads throughout the week.

Tiered Placements

Placements are matched to each young person's tolerance, readiness, and support needs.

Tier 1

1 Day per week

Gentle introduction, relationship-building and trust

Tier 2

2 Days per week

Growing routine, regulation, and engagement

Tier 3

3 Days per week

Full Academy access and accreditation pathways

Standard day: 09:40–14:30, term time. Available at any of our sites.

Who the Academy is For

Our Academy provision is designed for young people in Years 6–9 who are finding mainstream education difficult to access.

Transition Support

Specialist support for Year 6 learners navigating the move from primary to secondary school — a critical window for early therapeutic intervention and relationship-building.

Emotionally Based School Avoidance

A safe, low-pressure alternative for young people experiencing anxiety, trauma, or school avoidance — where regulation always comes before learning.

Complex SEND Needs

Tailored for young people with autism, ADHD, SEMH needs, or complex trauma histories — supported by a multidisciplinary team in a calm, consistent environment.

Available at Any of Our Sites

Delivery is matched to each learner's needs across our specialist sites, with a consistent key practitioner throughout.

The Farm

Animal care, outdoor learning, land-based skills, and therapeutic activities in a nature-rich environment.

Acorn House

Creative arts, personal development, functional skills, and structured therapeutic learning in a calm indoor setting.

Cookham Lodge

Foundational academic skills, life skills, and supported re-engagement in a small, nurturing classroom setting.

Learners may move between sites as their confidence and readiness develops.

Accreditation & Evidence

Every Academy learner builds a personal digital portfolio as a record of their progress, achievements, and growth. Accreditation pathways are accessible and achievable, never pressured.

AQA Unit Awards

Nationally recognised, unit-based certificates for a wide range of achievements

ASDAN Courses

Flexible accreditation in personal development, wellbeing, and practical skills

Wild Minds Units

Bespoke recognition of therapeutic, relational, and nature-based progress

Digital Portfolio

A personal record of growth, skills, and achievements across their time with us

Outcomes

Learners in our Academy typically demonstrate:

Improved emotional regulation and self-awareness
Renewed confidence in learning and trying new things
Stronger peer and adult relationships
Reduced anxiety around education and attendance
Achievable unit-based accreditation
Clearer readiness for Post-14 pathways or mainstream re-integration
A positive, evidenced record of progress for schools and LAs

Reporting

Half-termly progress reports covering attendance, regulation, wellbeing, learning engagement, and portfolio evidence — shared directly with schools and local authorities.

Ready to discuss a placement?

We welcome enquiries from schools, local authorities, and families for Years 6–9 learners.

Get in Touch