Northease Manor School, located in the picturesque Sussex countryside, offers a unique educational experience for children aged nine to 18. The school has a rich history, with its main building housed in a Grade II listed Tudor manor house, providing a charming and inspiring environment for learning. The grounds are equally impressive, featuring an outdoor pool, orchards, and sports pitches, all contributing to a well-rounded educational experience.
The school has undergone significant changes in recent years, focusing more on supporting students with autism and other specific learning difficulties. Approximately half of the students have an autism diagnosis, while others have dyslexia or mild learning difficulties. The school is committed to catering for young people with communication needs, high anxiety, social communication difficulties, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia. This focus has resulted in a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive.
The application process is thorough, involving an initial screening of the child’s paperwork, followed by a four-day taster process to ensure the child is likely to thrive at the school. The school is open to students from the independent mainstream sector, understanding that they may not have the same paper trail. The registrar and Head of Learning Support work closely with families to gather the necessary information. The school is cautious about admitting students with significant behavioural issues, but it can support those where behaviour is secondary to autism and manifests as anxiety.
Teaching and learning at Northease Manor School are tailored to the needs of its students, with small class sizes and a focus on experiential learning. The school produces impressive GCSE results, with a strong emphasis on English and Maths. For students who experience high anxiety during exams, the school offers both GCSE and functional exams to improve their chances of success. There is also an opportunity for capable students to stretch their abilities, with some year nines studying AS Maths.
The school offers a range of subjects, including Art, Photography, and Textiles, with the art department being particularly strong. The department is well-equipped with Apple Macs and a kiln, and students regularly produce superb portfolios. Sixth formers have their own block with a study room and a chill-out space, and they spend part of their time working on life skills and therapy sessions, as well as attending college for vocational or A-level courses.
Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of the school experience, with enrichment timetabled in. Students can choose from activities such as Lego therapy, Ebay club, sports, and life skills. The school also offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and opportunities for sailing and geography field trips. Citizenship projects and entrepreneurship are encouraged, with students engaging in activities such as raising money for dementia dolls and juicing the school’s apple harvest to sell to parents.
Pastoral care is a priority at Northease Manor School, with a focus on understanding the context of a child’s needs and making discipline a learning experience. The school has its own speech and language therapist and protective behaviours specialist, with additional support from visiting occupational therapists. The small class sizes mean that teaching assistants are not typically used, but higher-level TAs work on specific interventions.
The school is co-educational, with girls making up 20 per cent of the pupil body. Tutors communicate with parents weekly to address any issues, and the school is primarily funded by local authorities, with self-funding as an option.
Northease Manor School is a vibrant and supportive environment for children who may not fit into mainstream or special schools. The combination of its stunning location, dedicated staff, and tailored educational approach makes it an appealing choice for families seeking a nurturing and inclusive school experience.
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