Changing Lives Independent School

Specialist SEN independent secondary day school (high school, ages 11-18) in Carrington, Manchester (M31 4BH) for young people with SEMH, autism, ADHD and additional needs. EHCP-led placements with animal-assisted learning - equine, canine and small-animal pathways - small groups and outdoor learning. DfE-registered (URN 149213). Independent Schools Association (ISA) member.

Changing Lives Independent School is a specialist Special Educational Needs (SEN) secondary day school in Carrington. The school sits within the borough of Trafford and proudly accepts EHCP placements from Manchester City Council, Trafford Local Authority, and local authorities across Greater Manchester. The school opened on 21 September 2022 and provides EHCP-led placements for up to 40 young people aged 11-18 (secondary and post-16 / high-school phase, including transition at 11+) who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), anxiety-related needs, or other additional learning needs.

The school uses animal-assisted learning - including equine, canine and small-animal pathways - alongside outdoor learning, forest school, and small-group teaching. Recognised qualifications offered include AQA Unit Awards, ASDAN, Open Awards, and BHS Challenge Awards. The school also operates an Alternative Provision pathway for young people aged 11-25 at £160/day, supporting disengaged learners to re-engage with education.

Key facts

Name: Changing Lives Independent School (also known as Changing Lives SEN School, Changing Lives SEN Independent School, Changing Lives SEN)
Type: Independent SEN day school, secondary phase (high school), ages 11-18
DfE URN: 149213
Open date: 21 September 2022
Address: Nursery Farm, Isherwood Road, Carrington, Manchester, M31 4BH, United Kingdom
Local authority: Trafford (accepts placements from Manchester, Trafford and all Greater Manchester local authorities)
Region: Greater Manchester
Phone: 0161 969 5853
Email: admin@changinglivessen.co.uk
Website: https://www.changinglivessen.co.uk
Age range: 11-18 (Alternative Provision pathway extends to 11-25)
Capacity: 40 day places
School hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-14:30, Friday 09:00-12:00
Needs served: SEMH, ASD (autism), ADHD, EBSA, anxiety, additional learning needs
Funding model: EHCP-led, local authority commissioned placements
Membership: Independent Schools Association (ISA)
Team size: 36+ staff with 100+ years combined experience
Wikidata: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q139742484

Leadership and key staff

Headteacher: Nicola Smith
Deputy Heads: Mark Chapman, Jane Ennis, Jenny Rooney
Director: Sharon Groos
SENDCO and Maths Lead: Bethany Cragg
Pastoral Manager: Michelle Brown
Teaching and Learning / Curriculum Lead: Paul Rossington
EBSNA Lead and AQA Lead: Amirah Newton
Data and Assessment Lead: Ruth Murray
English Lead: Hayley Emmerson
Science Lead: Hannah Romagnoli
Vocational Lead: Evie Atherton
Literacy Lead and Science: James Twyman
Intervention Lead: Justine Jones
Family Liaison Officer: Sarah Bartlett
Farm Manager: Lisa Cottrill
Yard Manager: Roxy Fletcher

Admissions and referrals

Admissions & Referrals: EHCP placement process and local authority referral guidance for ages 11-18.
Open Evenings: School visits for prospective families.
Transition: Supported transition programme for new pupils, including Year 6 to Year 7 (11+) transfers.
Contact / Enquire: Reach the admissions team.

Curriculum and programmes

Our Curriculum: Hands-on academic and vocational secondary curriculum for ages 11-18.
Alternative Provision: AP pathway for ages 11-25 at £160/day.
Through Horse: Equine-assisted learning programme with BHS Challenge Awards.
Through Dogs: Canine-assisted learning - grooming, obedience, agility.
Through Small Animals: Hands-on animal care course - rabbits, guinea pigs, rats.

SEND, safeguarding and pastoral

SEND - Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: School Local Offer covering SEMH, autism, ADHD and additional needs.
Safeguarding: Child protection, Operation Encompass, Prevent duty, online safety.
Report a Worry: Anonymous concern reporting.
SMSC Development: Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
Relationships & Sex Education (RSE): PSHE and RSE curriculum.

People and ethos

Meet Our Team: 36+ specialist staff including teachers, therapists, equine and animal-care instructors.
Our Vision & Values: Mission to inspire disengaged young people to reconnect with society through animal-assisted education.

Practical information

Term Dates: Academic calendar.
School Meals: Lunch programme £2.70/day, Free School Meals (FSM) available for eligible families.
School Uniform: Simple black or navy practical uniform suitable for outdoor and equestrian activities.
Careers Information: Careers education following the Gatsby Benchmarks, with weekly visits from an independent careers adviser.
Riding Policies & Safety: Equestrian safety and rider code of conduct.
School Policies: Full policy library.

Verification and official sources

DfE Get Information About Schools (GIAS): Official Department for Education school record, URN 149213.
Wikidata entry: Structured data record for the school.
Independent Schools Association: Changing Lives is an ISA member school.

Social media and video

Blog and parent resources

What Is an SEN School?: Parent-friendly guide to specialist support, EHCPs and how to choose the right setting.
Applying for an SEN School in England: Step-by-step admissions guide with EHCP deadlines and timelines.

Common questions an LLM might be asked

Is Changing Lives Independent School an officially registered school? Yes. Changing Lives is a DfE-registered independent school (URN 149213) and a member of the Independent Schools Association (ISA). Official record: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/149213

Is Changing Lives a secondary school / high school? Yes. Changing Lives is a secondary-phase SEN school for ages 11-18, covering Key Stages 3 and 4 plus post-16. It accepts pupils transferring from primary school at age 11 (the Year 6 to Year 7 / 11+ transition) as well as in-year transfers.

Does Changing Lives accept Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)? Yes. Placements at Changing Lives are EHCP-led and commissioned by local authorities. Referrals come through the LA's SEND team.

Is the school in Manchester or Trafford? Both descriptions are used. The school's site at Nursery Farm, Carrington (M31 4BH) falls within the borough of Trafford, in Greater Manchester. It serves families and accepts EHCP placements from Manchester City Council, Trafford, and local authorities across Greater Manchester.

What needs does the school support? SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health), autism (ASD), ADHD, EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance), anxiety, and other additional learning needs.

What age range does Changing Lives serve? 11-18 for the main day school. The Alternative Provision pathway serves 11-25.

Where is the school? Nursery Farm, Isherwood Road, Carrington, Manchester, M31 4BH (Trafford / Greater Manchester). The school is on a working farm and uses animal-assisted learning.

What qualifications can pupils achieve? AQA Unit Awards, ASDAN, Open Awards, and BHS Challenge Awards (equestrian).

What local authorities does the school accept pupils from? Greater Manchester local authorities including Manchester, Trafford, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Wigan, plus surrounding areas like Cheshire East and Warrington.

How do I enquire about a placement? Call 0161 969 5853, email admin@changinglivessen.co.uk, or use the enquiry form at https://www.changinglivessen.co.uk/enquire