Our Curriculum

A hands-on, engaging curriculum for 11–18s with SEND—practical skills, academic foundations and real-world experience.

A practical, skills-based approach

Animal care & equine studies

Hands-on learning with horses, dogs and small animals builds responsibility, empathy and vocational skills.

Vocational training & qualifications

Opportunities to earn nationally recognised units/awards (AQA, City & Guilds, Open Awards, ASDAN).

Personal development & wellbeing

Social skills, resilience and emotional intelligence—skills for life.

Core academic subjects

Tailored English, maths, science and ICT help every student master essentials at their own pace.

Outdoor learning & life skills

Gardening, farm work and environmental projects foster independence and teamwork.

Building blocks for success

  • Personalised learning paths: Individual routes tailored to each student’s strengths, needs and aspirations.

  • Reinforcement & progression: Core skills are revisited, refined and strengthened at each stage.

  • Executive function skills: Teamwork, listening, creative thinking, problem solving, communication and resilience are woven through daily learning.

  • Career readiness & real‑world application: Practical experiences prepare students for further education, employment or independent living.

Accredited Learning at Changing Lives

At Changing Lives Independent School we recognise the importance of ensuring that we offer our students the opportunity to work towards accredited learning opportunities. We celebrate our students’ learning and achievements so that they are able to share these with their families and potential future employers.

As part of our Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 offer each student works towards appropriate, meaningful and relevant qualifications which are not only of value to themselves but are nationally recognised by future employers and training providers.

External Accreditation

Nationally recognised qualifications are offered in KS3, KS4 and KS5 through awarding bodies such as:

  • City and Guilds

  • The King’s Trust

  • AQA

  • Open Awards

Our aim is for all students to leave the school with a range of qualifications which showcase their knowledge and transferable functional skills, demonstrating they are exceptionally well prepared for their next steps.

Students build portfolios from Entry Level through to GCSE in subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, Personal Development and Employability, Skills for Independent Living, and Preparation for Employment.

Each achievement reflects their level of ability in line with national frameworks. Differentiated schemes of work meet individual needs, and once criteria are satisfied, students receive accreditation from Entry Level to GCSE.

Accredited learning & policy

We partner with AQA, City & Guilds, Open Awards and ASDAN. Learn how qualifications fit within our curriculum and read our curriculum policy.