Higford School offers national curriculum subjects for Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 pupils, a vocational-based curriculum for post-16 students, and teaching frameworks which have been specifically designed for children and young people with special educational needs.

These include P Scales, which measure ability and achievements below National Curriculum Level 1, and ASDAN, a Curriculum Framework for young people over 14 which covers vocational activities such as cookery and horticulture. ASDAN promotes the development of personal, social and work-related skills in a real-life context, helping young people to reach their potential for independence.

Each student’s individual learning abilities, requirements and academic progression are consistently monitored using the B² Assessment Programme. The twice-yearly assessment ensures that educational programmes and targets are effectively developed with the students to maximise learning opportunities and encourage individual achievement.

To ensure that students are engaged in purposeful activities at all times, Higford provides a waking day curriculum. We use a range of sensory and experiential techniques to make sure that learning is stimulating, fun and meaningful for students, while our exceptional facilities mean that we are well equipped to meet very complex behavioural, communication and learning needs.

We’re especially proud to have been awarded the Arts Council’s Artsmark for our music and art provision.

Environmental and visual strategies to support communication are used consistently throughout the learning day.

These include elements of TEACCH, an approach which focuses on routine and structure to reduce behaviours resulting from anxiety, and SPELL, a complementary approach developed by the NAS which provides a cornerstone for communication.