Bardwell School is a community special school for 105 students aged 2 – 19 years with severe learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties.

We are passionate about students having their abilities recognised and celebrated, whilst receiving an excellent education. Our aim is that all children will leave Bardwell as rounded individuals who are valued members of their own communities with the potential to go further with their learning and life. Our staff team is committed to very high standards in relation to every aspect of our students education and our values are the compass that guides the school as we advocate a non-label-led approach to teaching children with special educational needs. The school day is underpinned by six core values; kindness, aspirational, equality, individuality, collaborative and trust. We have a positive reinforcement approach to behaviour management and individualised approach to planning and delivering learning for all our students.

We believe education plays a pivotal role in developing our students as individuals, alongside the vital input from families and other professionals whom we enjoy working closely with. Students are grouped with their age peers in classes where learning is skilfully differentiated to ensure every student succeeds and is celebrated in a fully inclusive class and school community.

The Bardwell curriculum provides a framework for teaching and learning, underpinned by assessment from which teachers make judgements as to the appropriate next steps for students. This allows teachers to deliver positive, stimulating and challenging learning and is in line with the National Curriculum. When students move into The Lodge (post-16) they have access to entry-level qualifications through the National Open College Network (NOCN). This is delivered alongside personalised learning focused on each student’s planned pathway to adulthood.