Our Offer

Courtlands Independent Special School
Our Specialist Provision

Courtlands is a specialist independent school supporting pupils whose needs are linked to anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), and difficulties with emotional wellbeing and self-regulation.

We provide a calm, structured and relational environment where pupils feel safe, understood and able to re-engage with education at a pace that works for them.

Many of our pupils arrive having experienced significant disruption to their education. Our approach recognises this and focuses first on building trust, reducing anxiety and helping pupils feel secure in school again.

Our Approach

At Courtlands, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We take time to understand each pupil as an individual and tailor our approach to meet their needs.

Our staff are trained in trauma-informed practice and use emotional support strategies to help pupils who may feel overwhelmed. We understand that behaviour is a form of communication and respond with consistency, calmness and care.

We offer flexible, personalised pathways into learning, including soft starts, phased timetables and gradual reintegration into full-time education.

Curriculum

Our curriculum balances academic learning with personal development. Alongside core subjects, we place a strong emphasis on:

• emotional wellbeing
• confidence building
• social development
• readiness to learn

Lessons are structured but adapted to ensure pupils can access learning without becoming overwhelmed.

Pastoral Support

Pupils benefit from strong, consistent relationships with staff and a highly supportive environment. We work closely with families to ensure a joined-up approach, recognising that successful outcomes rely on strong communication and trust.

Each pupil’s journey is individual, and support is adapted to reflect their needs, including attendance pathways for those with EBSA.

Outcomes

Success at Courtlands is measured in more than academic progress. We track and celebrate:

• improved attendance
• increased engagement
• development of emotional awareness and coping strategies
• growing confidence and independence

We use case studies to demonstrate the impact of our work, showing the progress pupils make over time.

Working in Partnership

We work closely with local authorities, families and external professionals to ensure that placements are appropriate and that pupils receive the support they need.

Courtlands is best suited to pupils who require a smaller, nurturing environment and a relational approach to re-engage with education.