At Avonside School, we offer a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that is carefully tailored to meet the individual needs of every student.
Our young people are aged 13 to 19 and all have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Many have experienced disruption to their education before joining us, so our curriculum is designed to re-engage them in learning, build their confidence, and help them achieve their full potential.
Everything we do is built around three core aims. We want our students to become:
Successful Learners – achieving their best through personalised teaching and high expectations.
Confident Individuals – developing strong communication skills, emotional resilience and self-belief.
Responsible Citizens – learning to build positive relationships and contribute to their communities.
Our curriculum combines academic learning with therapeutic support, life skills and enrichment opportunities, so that every child receives a well-rounded education. This includes:
- Academic subjects based on the National Curriculum, adapted to suit each student’s learning needs.
- Therapeutic support woven throughout the school day to help students regulate their emotions and feel ready to learn.
- Vocational and practical learning, including work experience and community-based opportunities.
- Creative and enrichment activities such as expressive arts, music, enterprise, sport, cooking, outdoor learning and more.
Each student follows a personalised learning pathway informed by their EHCP and baseline assessments. This means their learning is relevant, challenging, and focused on meaningful progress.
What Learning Looks Like at Each Stage
Key Stage 3
Students access core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Art, Geography, History), functional skills, BTEC options and a wide range of enrichment activities to build confidence and engagement.
Key Stage 4
Students work towards a variety of qualifications including GCSEs, Functional Skills, BTECs, Arts Award and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Their pathway is shaped around their strengths, interests and future goals.
Key Stage 5
Learners continue to develop their academic and vocational skills, gain work experience, and prepare for life beyond school through a personalised post-16 programme.
We want every student to leave Avonside with the skills, confidence and qualifications they need for their next steps. We offer impartial careers guidance, work experience placements and strong community links to support smooth transitions into further education, training or employment.