We have a flexible approach to learning, personalising the curriculum and offering small teaching groups to meet students' learning needs and abilities.

At Potterspury Lodge School we aim to provide consistent, diverse, enjoyable and structured learning opportunities, through a structured curriculum.

We understand that not all young people with Autism Spectrum Condition will learn new skills at the same pace. Our curriculum caters for students with a wide range of needs regardless of the speed of their progress.

Potterspury Lodge School believes that students are entitled to a curriculum that is characterised by breadth, balance, relevance and progression.

Personalised approach

The curriculum followed is broadly based on the statutory requirements of the new national curriculum, but the delivery of subjects is adapted to meet the very particular needs of our students.

The curriculum model emphasises the importance of key core subjects, whilst offering the full national curriculum. Our curriculum offers a range of options in years 9 to 11 that can lead to external accreditation and qualifications. There is also an opportunity for students to have short periods of work experience; these may be on or off-site. Where possible, the school places students with local employers and works with partner organisations to ensure the suitability of placements.

Consistent teaching and learning takes place over a longer period than in mainstream day schools. Class groups are small, allowing for individual programmes of study. Alongside the formal curriculum, behaviour management strategies and the development of social skills are also an integral part of every lesson on the timetable.

Ensuring Progress

Our students make good progress in all aspects of learning, whether it’s social, emotional, behavioural or academic.

We offer a range of qualifications, including:

• GCSEs

• AQA Unit Awards

• Entry Level

• Functional Skills

• Essential Digital Skills

• Arts Award – Discover to Gold

• ASDAN short course qualification

• Through links with local further education colleges we provide a variety of post-16 courses including A Levels.

In addition to academic attainment, students are provided with the opportunity to develop their full personal potential in the following areas:

• Physical health and wellbeing

• Independence, life skills and self-help

• Social acceptability

• Communication skills

• The development of relationships with adults and peers

• The ability to make informed choices

• Intellectual development and problem-solving

• Moral, social, cultural and emotional fulfilment

• Positive self-esteem, self-awareness and self-confidence

• Leisure and self-occupation skills

 I was impressed by the atmosphere in the school and in the classroom areas and in particular the level of engagement that the young people had in the sessions that they were present in. I’m sure it’s not always calm but the layout of the classrooms and the light and space do I think, help in creating a safe and therapeutic space for the young people to learn and achieve to their full potential.

- Director of Compliance, CareTech

Potterspury Lodge School Environment

Cambian Potterspury Lodge is set in a large country house and grounds within the twenty-two acre site. We have a large playing field and hard court surfaces and there is outdoor exercise equipment and swings for recreation. 

Consistent teaching and learning takes place over a longer period than in mainstream day schools. Class groups are small, allowing for individual programmes of study. Alongside the formal curriculum, behaviour management strategies and the development of social skills are also an integral part of every lesson on the timetable.