Changing Lives
SEN Independent School
A specialist SEN school in Manchester dedicated to transforming young people's lives through personalised education with animal-assisted learning, small groups, and the great outdoors. Supporting pupils with SEMH, autism, and additional needs.
Ready to Transform a Young Person's Life?
Get in touch with our admissions team. We're here to answer your questions and discuss how we can help.
- Personalised learning for every child
- Small groups with specialist staff
- Animal-assisted therapy programmes
- Real qualifications that open doors
We'd Love to Hear From You!
Fill out the form below and our friendly admissions team will be in touch within 24-48 hours.
Why families choose Changing Lives
We create an environment where every young person can thrive, grow in confidence, and achieve real qualifications.
Calmer starts, steadier days
Short transitions, predictable routines, and spaces for regulation help pupils feel safe—and ready to learn.
Real, recognised qualifications
Pupils work toward meaningful outcomes that open doors—AQA Unit Awards, ASDAN, and Open Awards qualifications.
Learning that fits the child
Personalised targets, small groups, and animal-assisted programmes build confidence, communication and engagement.
What We Have Been Up To
See the latest from our students as they learn, grow, and thrive with our animal-assisted education programmes.
Life at Changing Lives
Our students learning, caring for animals, and building confidence every day
What we offer
Education through Horses
- Caring for your horse
- Understanding your horse
- Managing your horse
- Lunging your horse
- Riding fitness
- Flat riding
- Jumping
- Safe riding
Education through Dogs
- Dog Walking
- Dog Grooming
- Dog Health
- Dog Training
Education through Small Animals
- Animal care
- Animal welfare law
- Animal biology
- Animal rescue
A day in the life
Predictable, calm, and purposeful—from arrival to home time
Welcome, breakfast & registration
Arrive, breakfast club, settle and prepare for learning.
Session 1
Rotates across the week.
- PSHE
- Science
- English
- ASDAN Lifeskills
Session 2
Rotates across the week.
- English/Science
- PE
- BHS
- EFL
Break
Snack, movement, and fresh air.
Accredited learning
AQA/Open Awards and more.
- AQA
- Open Awards
- Science/English
- Forest School
Lunch
Eat, relax, and connect.
Afternoon session
Small-group learning.
- Maths
- Dogs (Animal Assisted)
Animal-assisted/Vocational
Hands-on, interest-led.
- Riding
- AQA
- Open Awards
Reflection
Review the day and next steps.
Home Time/Pick Up
End of a great day.
What success looks like here
Meet Our Team
At Changing Lives SEN, our dedicated team of educators, mentors, and animal care specialists work together to create a supportive and enriching environment for our students. With expertise in special education, therapeutic learning, and animal-assisted interventions, our staff is committed to helping every young person build confidence, develop skills, and thrive.
- Compassionate SEN professionals
- Experienced equine and canine specialists
- Dedicated support staff and mentors
Together, we change lives—one student at a time.
Come Meet UsWhat We Stand For
At Changing Lives SEN, we are dedicated to transforming lives through horses, dogs, small animals, and the great outdoors. Our mission is built on:
- Sustainability – Creating a future where education and nature thrive together.
- Partnerships – Collaborating to build a world-class education initiative.
- Knowledge-Based Learning – Empowering young people with real-world skills.
- Nurturing for the Future – Helping every student grow in confidence and capability.
Where We're Going
"To give young people, regardless of their background, the opportunity to develop their skills, enabling them to return to education and/or employment."
What People Say About Us
Real stories from our students and families
"Before coming to Changing Lives I was doing half days at my previous school. Since being here I am able to do full days. It helps having animals and dogs in the room when I am learning because they are very calming. In the future, I want to be successful and wealthy. I'm not sure what I want to be yet, but I feel like I'm learning lots of things and have lots of options."
"This school has saved my daughter's life, and possibly mine."
"This school taught me to smile again and be myself."