Quotes About Birtley House

“After searching high and low to try and source an appropriate education for our son, Birtley House has come to the rescue. Our son has turned from being constantly unhappy and inappropriately challenged to a child who wants to be at school and wants to learn. His life has changed. This school has the right ethos, right attitude and the right resources to provide our son with the education he deserves to start him off in life on the right footing. Thank you so much Birtley House.”

Jon Mallett (Parent), IT Director

“Moving our son to Birtley House was a tough decision.  He was happy and settled at school with a lovely group of friends. Academically we were told he was doing ‘Ok’ but we were worried he was getting lost in a class of 30. Birtley House was definitely the right decision. In such small classes he doesn’t get a chance to switch off and daydream, and the 1:1 sessions have benefited him greatly. We are so pleased with his progress, and in turn his confidence has grown too.”

Parent of pupil at Birtley House School

“Never in my life has my child talked so much about a school day as much as this evening (she never talks to me about her school day, usually I just get ‘it was fine’).  She absolutely loved it, she enjoyed the lessons, loved the teachers, the children and the grounds.  You have really created a unique special place.  Well done and thank you.”

A parent after their child’s first day at Birtley House

“I absolutely loved it, there were no bullies, I felt safe and really happy, and the dinner lady played ‘It’ with me!”

A child after their taster week at Birtley House School

“The strong commitment shown by staff to pupils well being ensures that they receive a high level of pastoral care.”

“…good attendance and positive attitudes to all aspects of school life… is a reflection of the success of the school in quickly promoting good relationships with pupils.”

“There is no bullying…..pupils have a good sense of right and wrong…pupils cooperate and support each other well and make a positive contribution to the school and wider community.”                                                                                       

“The curriculum is flexible in providing opportunities to develop pupils coordination and cooperation skills.”

“Practical activities…..are also important features in the curriculum that help foster pupils organisational and physical skills.”

“Relationships are very good, with staff consistently using praise to develop pupils confidence and self esteem.”

“A good feature is the flexibility of the thematic approaches used to meet pupils€™ specific learning needs.   Staff are good at providing meaningful learning experiences that enable pupils to make good progress.”

“Gaps in previous learning are being closed and pupils are starting to catch up and achieve according to their capabilities… they are improving their reading,  writing and mathematical skills and knowledge at a good rate.”

“Staff have.. a secure understanding of how pupils learn and… use their expertise to move learning on in a positive and supportive manner.”

“The curriculum is well adapted to meet the specific learning needs or individuals……pupils make good progress……….with subjects linked together effectively and lesson planning matched to pupils’ specific learning needs.”

“The school’s ethos is based on a system of positive reinforcement and recognition of each individual pupil’s needs and abilities and it aims to develop the qualities of respect and responsibility in pupils so that they grow into secure positive citizens.”

OFSTED May 2011