Putting well-being at the heart of education for young people aged 11-16
Transforming mental health through education
At Inclusion School, we recognise that the mental health crisis affecting young people demands a different approach to education. With 83% of UK secondary schools reporting insufficient resources to meet students’ mental health needs*, we’re bridging a chasm in the system. Our independent specialist school serves children aged 11-16 with social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH), creating a safe space where education and well-being work hand in hand.
According to recent data, 1 in 6 children aged 6-16 have a probable mental health disorder**, and many of these young people struggle to engage with traditional education. That’s where we come in.
Who we support
We recognise and support the whole person, not just their educational needs. We help young people, with an EHCP experiencing:
- High anxiety and depression
- Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA)
- Suicidal ideation
- Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- Other complex mental health and learning needs
Our Approach
At Inclusion School, we believe that education should adapt to the student, not the other way around. Our approach includes:
"When a young person hears 'I understand you' instead of 'try harder,' everything changes."
Safe Learning Spaces
Thoughtfully designed calm environments where young learners can feel safe and supported
Small Group Learning
Low student-to-staff ratios ensuring every young learner feels heard, seen, and valued
Individual Pathways
Personalised learning plans that honour each student’s unique needs and strengths, because education should embrace who you are, not try to change it
Therapeutic Approach
Every interaction is an opportunity for growth and healing, at Inclusion school relationships are everything
Mental Health Focus
Wellbeing support integrated throughout the curriculum because mental health and SEND support aren’t optional extras, they’re the foundation of everything we do
More about the school
A day at inclusion school
Our structured but flexible school day runs from 9:15am to 3:10pm, with regular breaks to support regulation and wellbeing. Our teaching rooms are calm, supportive spaces where learners feel safe to explore, question, and grow. The daily schedule includes:
- Core curriculum subjects
- Wellbeing activities
- Dedicated reading time
- Regular breaks for regulation
- Plenty of one-to-one support
What parents say
Our Vision
We believe in creating an education that:
Providing a safe place
Provides each learner with a safe place to experience personalised teaching, because a child who doesn’t feel safe can’t learn
Supporting mental health
Supports positive mental health strategies to build confidence and independence, looking beyond behaviours to understand what young people are communicating
Promoting mutual respect
Promotes mutual respect and celebrates diversity, because belonging isn’t about being the same, it’s about being accepted as you are
Cooperative environment
Creates an environment of cooperation, kindness, and positive social interactions, where young people feel valued, not judged
Mental Health Support Gap: 83% of UK secondary schools report insufficient resources to meet students’ mental health needs *NHS Digital. (2022). Mental Health of Children and Young People in England survey. **2021 (NHS Digital)
Academic Underachievement: Only 25.4% of students with special educational needs (SEN) achieve grade 4/C or above in English and maths GCSEs, compared to 70.4% of students without SEN² ²Department for Education. (2023). Key stage 4 performance statistics.
