Wilds Lodge School

The school’s educational philosophy is built on six core values: Authenticity, Connection, Curiosity, Empowerment, Positivity, and Tolerance. It prioritises a "connection before correction" approach, viewing behaviour as communication and focusing on trauma-informed, learner-centred planning. The school aims to nurture individual strengths and build resilience, ensuring that neurodiverse children can thrive and contribute to society.

The school offers a broad curriculum covering Primary, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, and Key Stage 5. The academic programme is designed to be inclusive and flexible, catering to diverse cognitive and learning styles while focusing on both academic learning and personal development. Students engage in work-related learning opportunities, such as placements in supermarkets or childcare settings, to build practical skills and prepare for future pathways.

Learners gain nationally recognised qualifications matched to their individual interests and abilities, alongside developing independence and life skills. The school’s approach is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and a fulfilling adulthood. Ofsted reports have noted that pupils make strong and sustained progress in their development, with behaviour often improving during their time at the school.

The school provides a therapeutic environment for neurodiverse learners, with a focus on social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. It employs a multi-disciplinary approach, including key-workers for every boarder and a dedicated SENCo. Staff are trained in de-escalation techniques, LEGO-based therapy, and the SCERTS model to support emotional regulation and personal development.

The school accepts referrals through local authorities for learners aged 5-19 who hold a draft or final Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outlining social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. Prospective families are encouraged to attend an open afternoon or view the virtual tour, after which the school reviews paperwork to determine if a day or boarding assessment is appropriate. The school does not maintain a waiting list and requires that all those with parental responsibility support the placement and the school's ethos. Private fee-paying placements are available through a Payment in Advance Scheme.

The school operates on a three-term structure, with terms divided into two halves. The academic year typically runs from early September to mid-July, including scheduled staff training days and bank holidays. Boarding placements involve travel at the start and end of each school week.

The school operates across three sites in the Rutland and Stamford area: Wilds Lodge, Crossroads, and Rock Lodge. The Wilds Lodge site houses primary-aged children in The Bungalow, while The Lodge and The Loft accommodate Key Stage 3 learners. Crossroads serves Key Stage 4 students, and Rock Lodge provides boarding facilities for Post-16 learners. Each site features shared bedrooms, communal areas, and outdoor spaces designed to provide a family-style, home-like environment.

Learners participate in a wide range of enrichment activities, including sports, outdoor adventures, and creative pursuits. Evening activities for boarders include organised trips to local attractions, sports events such as football matches, and community-based activities like running clubs and Cadets. The school has been recognised for its commitment to sustainability through the Eco-Schools Green Flag award and the Woodland Trust’s Platinum Green Tree Schools Award.