Apple Orchard School plays a vital role within the Apple Orchard community, working in harmony with the dedicated care and therapy staff on site. Led by the Head Teacher, our team of experienced teachers and teaching assistants collectively offer a diverse range of subjects that encompass a modified National Curriculum. Apple Orchard School is a non-political organisation, focusing solely on providing exceptional education.

Our school has been rated Outstanding in its last three OFSTED inspections. Students attending Apple Orchard have very often had extended periods away from education, so one of the main aims of the school is to have every student attending all classes with a 100% attendance record. Many social services have praised the school for changing student’s attitudes and behaviours from being a school refuser or persistent truant to attending school and stating that they enjoy the experience.  

Our school is equipped with highly qualified teaching assistants who play a crucial role in providing additional support to teachers, ensuring that individual students receive personalized 1:1 assistance. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of reading skills, and dedicated reading sessions are incorporated throughout the timetable. This initiative has yielded impressive results, as students engage in reading for pleasure, fostering their overall comprehension and understanding abilities.

To facilitate effective learning, our classes typically consist of no more than six students. This small class size allows for optimal supervision and individualized attention, ensuring that each student's unique needs are met. The school day begins at 9am and concludes at 3.20pm, comprising six periods of approximately 45 minutes each.

Our school boasts exceptional facilities that meet high standards of quality. We have six purpose-built classrooms, including an ICT room equipped with five linked computers. Additionally, there is a spacious practical room dedicated to teaching design technology and art, along with a well-equipped science room. Each classroom is equipped with a 75" smart TV, and every student has access to a laptop, ensuring that technology is readily available for teaching, individual work, and examination concessions.

Furthermore, we have transformed a garage into a construction workshop, providing a dedicated space for practical projects. Our dining area serves as a gathering place for daily lunches and whole-school meetings. For recreational activities, our campus features a basketball and tennis court, allowing students to engage in these sports. Additionally, we have a grassy area where students can partake in a variety of outdoor games.

Physical education classes take place offsite at a local sports centre, which offers an extensive range of facilities for various sporting activities. As proud members of the Sussex and Surrey Special Sports Association, we actively participate in competitive events against other schools in football, basketball, badminton, cross-country, athletics, and tag rugby. We celebrate the achievements of our students at both the individual and team levels, particularly highlighting their successes at county-level tournaments.