I am delighted to welcome you to Avonside School – a nurturing, supportive, and inspiring learning community. At Avonside, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where every young person is valued and supported to thrive.
Our curriculum and school ethos are built around a holistic approach to education. We focus not only on academic progress but also on developing our students’ confidence, life skills, and understanding of the world around them. We are committed to meeting the developmental needs of everyone, preparing them for adulthood through a tailored vocational curriculum.
With many years of experience in Special Educational Needs, I am passionate about leading a school that supports the whole child. At Avonside, we work in close partnership with families and professionals to break down barriers to learning and ensure every student can achieve progress from their unique starting points.
Avonside School is a brand-new provision designed to meet the needs of 75 young people aged 13 to 19 with a primary diagnosis of Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom also have additional learning needs. Our newly refurbished and purpose-built environment has been designed to the highest standards to meet the diverse needs of our students.
We are proud to offer a therapeutic and vocational learning environment that promotes progress in all areas of development. Our broad and balanced curriculum is enriched with opportunities to develop core life and work-related skills, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the next stages of their lives
Christina Darkes – Headteacher
Nicola Walker – Deputy Headteacher
Marvin McLeggan – Assistant Headteacher
Darryl Holdcroft – SENDCo
Kelsey Speed – School Administrator
Alice Smith – Teacher
Hannah Blight-Anderson – Art Instructor
Nick Trutch – Construction Instructor
Angie Hodgkinson-Day – Catering Instructor
Emily Otway – Hair and Beauty Instructor
Afifa Lodhi – IT Instructor
Georgia-Mae Dean – Teaching Assistant
Donna Webster – School Cook