Adelaide School

The school’s vision is 'to help young people help themselves,' underpinned by values of commitment, collaboration, and care. It adopts an inclusive, therapeutic, and trauma-informed approach, emphasizing the importance of attachment and positive relationships in the learning process. The school aims to foster a strong sense of community, often described by parents as a 'family,' to prepare pupils to become active British citizens.

The curriculum is structured into six 40-50 minute periods per day, covering subjects including English, Maths, Science, Statistics, Art, Photography, Construction, Food Technology, ICT, PE, PSHE, RSE, and RE. The academic pathway is flexible, allowing pupils to access BTECs, Cambridge Nationals, Functional Skills, or GCSEs based on their individual ability and aspirations. The curriculum also embeds careers education and workplace experiences throughout the pupils' time at the school.

The school tracks pupil progress through academic qualifications, including BTECs, Cambridge Nationals, Functional Skills, and GCSEs, as well as through personal development metrics. A dedicated careers programme, which includes workplace experiences and support for college transitions, aims to prepare pupils for future employment and active citizenship. The school monitors post-school destinations to ensure pupils successfully access further learning or employment.

Adelaide School is a therapeutic special school dedicated to pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. The school employs a child-centered, attachment-informed pedagogy, with staff providing continuous support throughout the day. Individual needs are addressed through the annual review process of EHCPs, and the school utilizes a tracking system called CELS to monitor the holistic growth and personal development of each pupil.

Adelaide School provides education for pupils aged 9 to 18 who hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and have been referred by their Local Authority. The school manages a structured transition process, inviting prospective pupils and their parents to visit the school multiple times before a place is allocated. The school day runs from 09:00 to 15:00, totaling 30 hours per week.

The school operates on a standard academic term structure, with the summer holiday typically commencing in late July. Specific term dates are published on the school website.

Located in a historic Victorian building in Crewe, the school site is largely wheelchair accessible, featuring designated disabled access from the rear and appropriate toilet facilities. The campus supports a variety of learning environments, including classrooms for core subjects, a dedicated 'Relationship Room', and spaces for practical subjects like food technology, construction, and art. The school also maintains a 'Wellness Zone' to support the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and staff.

The school offers a range of additional opportunities, including the Pupil Safeguarding Group, School Council, and an Eco Schools Group. Students participate in social, moral, spiritual, and cultural activities, as well as Forest School, STEM, and music programmes. Therapeutic opportunities are also integrated into the curriculum, such as animal therapy, ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant), and art therapy.