Miss H. E. Scott
Head Teacher
Welcome to Furrowfield School
Together We Suceed
Welcome to the Furrowfield School website. We are a specialist secondary school dedicated to supporting young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to achieve their full potential. At Furrowfield, we are driven by a clear ambition to improve life chances for every student through an inclusive, nurturing and aspirational approach to education. Our school is a place where every student is known, valued and supported to succeed both academically and personally.
Our vision is founded upon the belief that success is built through collaboration, strong relationships and a shared commitment to excellence. This is reflected in our school motto, Together We Succeed, and brought to life through The Furrowfield Way, which underpins every aspect of school life. We strive to develop students who are:
- Imaginative
- Inquisitive
- Resilient
- Reflective
- Collaborative
These characteristics are closely aligned with the research of Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick, whose internationally recognised framework, Habits of Mind, identifies the behaviours that successful learners employ when faced with challenges, uncertainty and new learning. Their research highlights the importance of persistence, flexible thinking, questioning and problem-solving, managing impulsivity, listening with understanding and empathy, thinking interdependently, creating, imagining and innovating, and remaining open to continuous learning.
At Furrowfield School, we believe that developing these positive habits of mind is just as important as academic achievement. Through our curriculum, therapeutic provision and enrichment experiences, students are encouraged to persevere through challenge, think creatively, reflect on their learning, collaborate effectively with others and develop the confidence to take positive risks. By nurturing these habits alongside knowledge and skills, we empower students to become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.
Alongside these core characteristics, we promote kindness, respect, empowerment and understanding, ensuring that students leave Furrowfield as confident, responsible and successful young people who are fully prepared for adulthood and future success.
An Ambitious Curriculum
Our ambitious curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of every learner whilst maintaining exceptionally high expectations. At Furrowfield School, we recognise that every student's journey is unique. Through a highly personalised approach, students access a range of pathways designed to support academic achievement, personal development, emotional wellbeing and preparation for adulthood.
Academic Pathway
The Academic Pathway provides students with access to a broad and balanced curriculum that develops subject knowledge, critical thinking and academic success. Students study a range of subjects including:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- Science
- Geography
- History
- Spanish
- Art
- Music
- Food Technology
- Computing
- Physical Education
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Relationships, Sex and Health Education and Personal (RSHE) , Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE) - Futures Education
Students are challenged and supported to achieve their full academic potential whilst developing the knowledge, understanding and skills required for future success.
Vocational Pathway
The Vocational Pathway provides practical and applied learning opportunities that enable students to develop industry-related knowledge, transferable skills and real-world experiences. Through vocational learning, work-related opportunities and employer engagement, students gain valuable experience that supports progression into further education, apprenticeships, training and employment.
Nurture Pathway
Our Nurture Pathway provides personalised support for students whose social, emotional and mental health needs present barriers to learning. Through relationship-based approaches, smaller group provision and targeted interventions, students develop confidence, emotional regulation, resilience and the skills required to engage successfully in school life.
Therapeutic Pathway
Our Therapeutic Pathway is delivered through the school's Therapeutic Assessment and Support Centre (TASC). Through specialist interventions including counselling, art/creative therapy, music therapy, LEGO® and Brick-by-Brick programmes, nature therapy and emotional wellbeing support, students are supported to overcome barriers, improve wellbeing and develop confidence, self-awareness and resilience.
Many students access a combination of these pathways, and some students benefit from opportunities across all four pathways during their time at Furrowfield School. This integrated approach ensures that academic learning, vocational development, therapeutic support and personal growth work together to provide a truly individualised educational experience.
Students work towards a range of meaningful and recognised qualifications which support progression into further education, employment and training. These include GCSEs, BTEC Qualifications, Functional Skills Qualifications and AQA Unit Awards, ensuring that learning pathways remain personalised, ambitious and tailored to individual strengths, interests and aspirations.
Informed by The Furrowfield Way and Costa and Kallick's Habits of Mind, our curriculum is designed not only to develop qualifications and outcomes, but also to cultivate the habits, attitudes and learning dispositions required for lifelong success. Across all pathways, students are encouraged to persist when challenged, think flexibly, question and problem-solve creatively, work collaboratively and reflect on their learning and personal development.
Reading: Opening Doors to the Future
At Furrowfield School, we believe that reading is one of the most important skills a young person can develop. Reading underpins success across the curriculum, broadens vocabulary, develops communication skills and strengthens emotional understanding. More importantly, reading opens doors to future opportunities and enhances life chances.
To support a culture of reading, we have a dedicated Reading Room, providing a calm, welcoming and purposeful environment where students can develop their reading skills, access high-quality literature and foster a lifelong love of books. Through reading for pleasure, targeted literacy interventions and independent study opportunities, we ensure that every student is supported to become a confident and successful reader.
Careers and Preparing for Adulthood
Preparing students for successful adult lives is at the heart of our mission. We place a significant emphasis on Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) and preparing students for the next stage of their journey. Through our dedicated Careers Programme, links with colleges, training providers, employers and external agencies, students are supported to develop clear aspirations and informed career pathways.
Our students benefit from personalised careers guidance, workplace experiences, employer encounters, college visits and vocational learning opportunities. We are proud that our provision focuses on helping students develop the knowledge, confidence, independence and employability skills required for adulthood. Our ambition is that every student leaves Furrowfield prepared to progress into further education, apprenticeships, employment or training and achieve the very best possible life chances.
Therapeutic Support Through TASC
A key strength of our provision is our Therapeutic Assessment and Support Centre (TASC). Through a highly personalised range of interventions, including counselling, art/creative therapy, music therapy, LEGO® and Brick-by-Brick programmes, nature therapy and emotional wellbeing support, TASC helps students overcome barriers, develop resilience and build the confidence needed to succeed in education and beyond. Our integrated therapeutic approach ensures that every student is supported both emotionally and academically.
Enrichment Beyond the Classroom
Enrichment is at the heart of the Furrowfield experience. Through our extensive programme of clubs and societies, health and wellbeing activities, Forest School, Nature Therapy, Gardening Club and wider personal development opportunities, students discover new interests, develop talents and build confidence.
From music and performing arts to Culture Club, sculpture, fitness activities and outdoor learning experiences, every student is encouraged to explore their potential and experience success beyond the classroom. These opportunities help students to develop creativity, teamwork, leadership and self-confidence while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Sport, Wellbeing and Achievement
Sport plays a vital role in promoting wellbeing, teamwork, resilience and aspiration. Students benefit from outstanding facilities, including our Sports Hall, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), Fitness Suite and Cardio Therapy Room, alongside opportunities to represent the school in local, regional and national competitions.
We are extremely proud of our sporting achievements and our commitment to helping every student develop healthy, active lifestyles whilst building confidence, determination and self-belief.
Online Safety and Digital Responsibility
In today's digital world, online safety is more important than ever. At Furrowfield School, students are taught how to use technology safely, responsibly and respectfully through our curriculum, assemblies and safeguarding programme. Students develop an understanding of online risks, including cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online grooming, misinformation, privacy and digital footprints.
By working closely with students, families and external agencies, we help young people become responsible digital citizens who can navigate the online world safely and confidently while protecting themselves and others.
A Safe, Supportive and Happy School
At Furrowfield School, we believe that students learn best when they feel happy, safe, valued and supported. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and sits at the heart of everything we do. Through strong relationships, highly trained staff, therapeutic support, clear routines and a culture of respect and kindness, we create an environment where students feel a genuine sense of belonging and are able to thrive.
We understand that positive wellbeing is essential for success. By ensuring students feel safe and secure, both inside and outside the classroom, we help them develop confidence, resilience and the ability to achieve their full potential.
Discover More About Furrowfield School
Our school prospectus provides a comprehensive insight into life at Furrowfield School, including our curriculum pathways, therapeutic provision, enrichment opportunities, safeguarding culture, vision and values. We encourage families to explore our prospectus and discover how our specialist provision, dedicated staff team and ambitious approach enable students to flourish within a safe, inclusive and aspirational environment.
At Furrowfield School, ambition is at the centre of everything we do. We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their starting point. Through high expectations, personalised support, meaningful experiences and a relentless focus on achievement, wellbeing and life chances, we prepare our students for successful futures in further education, employment and adulthood.
Guided by The Furrowfield Way and informed by the research of Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick, we nurture students who are imaginative in their thinking, inquisitive in their learning, resilient in the face of challenge, reflective in their actions and collaborative in their relationships with others. Our aim is that every young person leaves Furrowfield not only with qualifications, but with the character, confidence and habits of mind needed to flourish in an ever-changing world.
