Gilbert Ward Academy

Gilbert Ward Academy is a special school that provides a high-quality, inclusive and personalised education for pupils aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and autism spectrum condition (ASC). The academy caters for pupils who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Our mission is to create a safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment where everyone is valued, respected and empowered to achieve their full potential. We achieve this by offering a broad and balanced curriculum that is tailored to the individual needs and aspirations of each pupil. The academy also provides a wide range of interventions to support pupils to develop their social and emotional skills and wellbeing.

Our vision is to be a leading special school that makes a positive difference in the lives of pupils and their families. We want our pupils to be self-aware, understanding, responsible and empathetic in their interactions with themselves and others. We want them to be motivated and inspired to learn and achieve their best, and to be fully prepared and equipped for their future education, employment and life. We are committed to being a school where everyone does the right thing because it is the right thing to do.

At Gilbert Ward Academy, we are ambitious for our pupils and believe that they can overcome any barriers or challenges they may face. We have high expectations for their academic progress and attainment, as well as their personal and social development. Social and emotional learning is equally as important as academic learning, and our values reflect the key competencies that research identifies as essential for growth: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills.