Information for Pupils, Parents and Carers

 ‘St. Nicholas is a good school. Students reflect extremely positively on the outstanding quality of care, guidance and support they receive. One student, echoing the views of many, simply stated, 'This school has changed my life.'

(HMI Inspector, October 2010)

St Nicholas is a special day/boarding school catering for up to 55 boys aged 10 to 16 years who have social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties. Many also have learning difficulties which have impacted on their ability to access the curriculum in mainstream schools. All pupils have a Statement of Special Educational Need.  

Class sizes are small with no more than six pupils in each teaching group. Lessons are carefully planned and take into account the needs, interests and abilities of all pupils so that learning is more purposeful and engaging. Additional support in the classroom is provided by way of classroom teaching assistants who help pupils to access the curriculum and manage their sometimes challenging behaviour.

Places at St Nicholas are limited by vacancies in each year group at the end of a term. The School follows a very clear admissions policy and works with the Local Authority to ensure that only pupils with clear SEBD needs and associated learning difficulties are admitted.  

At Key Stage 3, pupils study a wide range of subjects in line with the National Curriculum. The study of a Modern Foreign Language however has been disapplied so that pupils are able to spend more time improving their literacy and numeracy skills. There is an emphasis on physical education and the equivalent of one day per week is spent participating in sport related subjects such as PE, Games and Outdoor Education. In Year 7, the School follows a primary model of teaching and learning where the majority of lessons are taught by one classroom teacher in their home room. Another Year 7 class is taught as a Nurture group. This class accepts no more than four pupils and focuses on developing their social and emotional skills alongside more complex issues such as attachment, resilience and impulsivity. At the start of Year 8, pupils enter a typical secondary school environment through to the end of Year 9. The curriculum is taught by a range of subject specialists in mixed ability classes.  

 In Key Stage 4, pupils are given more freedom and autonomy to develop as independent learners. They are taught in a separate area of the School and follow a curriculum that prepares them for college and the world of work. Alongside this is the opportunity to study several national curriculum subjects leading to range of qualifications in such areas as English, Maths, History, Art and PE. A purpose built facility is on site for the study of motor mechanics, bricklaying, painting & decorating, and we provide a range of vocational qualifications through to NVQ Level 1 by the end of Year 11.   

This year saw the opening of a new residential provision. This £2 million investment now means that the School has a state of the art, ecologically designed boarding provision which will accommodate up to 24 pupils and provide extended activities for an additional 12 pupils through to 6:00pm. A complete redesign and rebuild of the existing area now provides pupils with all manner of activities. The ‘open space’ has lounge/dining and leisure facilities including snooker tables, home cinema complex, art & craft room, computer room, cookery club and a Wii station. A new residential office has also been created along with a suite of offices for speech and language therapy, the School’s partnership social worker and a medical room for visiting health professionals.  

 I am justifiably proud of St Nicholas School. My colleagues have worked hard to create an environment which provides children with opportunities to experience success and realise their full potential. If you are considering a place here for your son, please take the time to peruse the School’s website before contacting us to arrange a visit.     

 Craig Anderson

Executive Headteacher