BET Features

Bourne Education Trust believes extraordinary learning experiences extend far beyond textbooks and tests and for this reason we are delighted to spotlight Marnel Junior School, where a holistic educational approach goes far beyond the classroom walls.

Under the leadership of Headteacher, Tijhs Jordan, Marnel has fully embraced this approach. "As educators, we know that enrichment like trips, clubs, and outdoor play are essential," Tijhs explains. "These experiences inspire curiosity, creativity and a lifelong love of learning in our students."

One of the school's proudest achievements is their involvement with the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme. OPAL has transformed Marnel's grounds into an imaginative landscape where children can play in the expansive sandpit, experiment in the mud kitchen, construct dens, climb, shoot hoops, craft bracelets, dance to music surrounded by nature and engage in various other activities.

The benefits of this play philosophy are vast. Physically, pupils meet up to 40% of their recommended daily activity levels and importantly, with these options readily accessible, barriers that typically hinder children - such as the fear of asking to join a game or feeling limited in choices - are effectively eliminated. Children build negotiation abilities, learn conflict resolution, take positive risks and forge meaningful friendships - all while having an absolute blast. Cognitively and academically, OPAL play also increases focus and attention when students return to lessons, improving behaviour, concentration, and engagement.

Complementing OPAL, the leadership team at Marnel have created a calendar of exciting trips, events and clubs to enrich learning. From the Gilbert White river exploration to the immersive ‘Open the Box’ historical workshops, the school makes sure that all trips link to learning and opportunities that most of their children have not had.

Extra-curricular clubs offer opportunities for students to explore their interests and talents beyond the academic curriculum, with the school resolute in its belief that all staff led clubs are run free of charge to allow as many children as possible to attend.

With next steps in mind, careers guidance takes centre stage during ‘Futures Week’, ensuring students understand post-school possibilities through a packed programme of inspirational visitors discussing their professions, culminating in a Dragons' Den-style panel where pupils pitch ideas, developing invaluable skills.

Looking beyond their students, Marnel also actively engages parents through workshops on key topics such as mental health, equity, diversity, and inclusion - underscoring its commitment to the entire community.

Alex Russell, BET CEO said: “Marnel Junior School truly epitomises Bourne Education Trust's belief that delivering an extraordinary education means going beyond traditional academics. When a robust curriculum is combined with enriching experiences like those offered at Marnel, there is no doubt children can reach their limitless potential.”

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At Bourne Education Trust, we believe that an exceptional education extends far beyond academic achievement. This philosophy is exemplified by Epsom & Ewell High School (EEHS), where inclusion, wellbeing and pastoral support form the cornerstone of their educational approach.

"We understand that excellence in teaching and learning is built on four crucial pillars: Teaching, Learning, Leadership and Wellbeing," explains Oli Daniels, Assistant Head and Inclusion Lead. "By excelling in all these areas, we achieve our core aim of providing an outstanding education for every pupil."

This holistic vision is realised through EEHS's innovative curriculum. Dedicated lessons are embedded into the school day, addressing what kind of learners pupils want to be and how they can positively approach challenges both inside and outside the classroom. These sessions cover various wellbeing aspects, from mental health and mindfulness to self-efficacy and leadership skills. A unique feature, the 'Red to Blue' programme, helps pupils self-assess their emotional state and learn regulation techniques, while physical wellbeing sessions complement these efforts, developing self-esteem, leadership and promoting overall health.

EEHS's commitment to mental health is particularly noteworthy, with the school becoming the first in the UK to receive the Schools Mental Health Gold Award from the Carnegie Centre of Excellence. This prestigious award recognised EEHS's comprehensive support and education programmes that successfully addressed the stigma surrounding mental health, with the school demonstrating not only robust internal structures and strategies but also a commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices nationally and internationally.

The impact of this dedication is far-reaching, improving pupil and staff self-confidence, resilience and mental health. It has led to better outcomes across the board and fostered a culture of awareness, tolerance and, importantly, acceptance around mental health both in school and beyond.

Central to EEHS's inclusive approach is their Internal Team Around the Family (ITAF), a multifaceted support system of key internal stakeholders and external agencies. Operating from the school's inclusion hub, this team ensures that any barriers to learning are promptly addressed, supporting pupils in accessing their education and realising their potential. The ITAF encompasses a wide range of specialised services, including attendance monitoring, a Buddy Up system (targeted intervention with qualified youth support workers), East to West relational support for pupils and families, ELSA (emotional literacy) support, ESOL (English speakers for other languages), external counselling, 1:1 learning mentors, a Mental Health Support Team providing early help for pupils, staff and parents, Provision for Deaf pupils, weekly drop in sessions with the school nurses team, SEND support, and The Wave - the school's all-encompassing safeguarding and wellbeing hub open daily for pupils.

EEHS's commitment to diverse learning needs is further exemplified by two standout specialist centres. The Provision for Deaf (P4D) caters to both oral pupils and those requiring sign support, offering one-on-one tutorials, small group teaching and in-class support from trained staff. Additionally, EEHS hosts one of the Southcote Centres, providing a unique learning environment for pupils who benefit from bespoke and targeted provision across a mainstream setting while retaining specialist intervention.

Leveraging technology, EEHS uses the Class Charts system to monitor fluctuations in pupils' wellbeing. This enables staff to identify trends and facilitate timely pastoral interventions, especially for vulnerable learners.

The school's dedication has not gone unnoticed. In their 2022 report, Ofsted praised EEHS, stating, "Leaders give pupils' mental and physical health a high priority. The school is the proud recipient of the gold Mental Health Award for Schools. This award offers a framework for improving mental health and wellbeing for staff and pupils."

Alex Russell, BET CEO, commented: "Epsom & Ewell High School truly embodies Bourne Education Trust's commitment to providing an extraordinary education. Their innovative approaches to inclusion, wellbeing and pastoral support create an environment where every pupil can thrive. When academic excellence is combined with such comprehensive support, we witness the incredible potential of our pupils being realised."

Looking to the future, EEHS plans to develop a new inclusion facility at the heart of the school and a wellbeing garden, further underlining their commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive educational environment.

At Bourne Education Trust, we are proud to celebrate Epsom & Ewell High School's outstanding work in fostering inclusion, wellbeing and pastoral support - key elements in shaping the future of education.

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Bourne Education Trust is proud to spotlight Philip Southcote School, where 'Learning for Life' isn't just a motto – it's the foundation of an educational approach that prepares students for meaningful, independent futures.

At the heart of Philip Southcote's distinctive offering is their comprehensive careers and life skills programme, which weaves real-world experiences into every aspect of learning. From active, hands-on lessons in money management to local shopping trips and problem-solving through artistic design, students engage with practical skills that directly translate to life beyond school, developing their independent living skills and access to the world around them.

Underpinning this approach is the innovative 'Wheel of Independence' framework, which tracks students' progress across eight essential life skill areas: money, meal preparation, time management, leisure, self-care, housekeeping, laundry and food shopping. This comprehensive approach comes to life during weekly family days, where sixth form students apply these skills in practical settings – planning menus, shopping for ingredients, preparing meals and developing essential social skills, all while building real-world independence.

These life skills are further enhanced through the school's skills centre. Housing a fully operational hair and beauty salon, charity shop, café and vinyl crafting studio, it provides both Philip Southcote students and those from other local special schools with authentic workplace experiences. Sixth form students dedicate one full day each week to developing two chosen skills, while younger students with particular sector interests can also gain valuable work experience here too. 'These aren't just simulated environments,' explains Mrs Cooper, deputy head overseeing careers and next steps. 'Our students develop real skills in real situations, serving customers and managing daily operations.'

Building on these workplace experiences, the school offers a carefully structured work experience programme for both year 10 and sixth form students. Year 10 students engage in week-long placements across sectors including education, hospitality, mechanics, retail, animal care and hair and beauty, while sixth form students undertake more tailored experiences, ranging from one-week placements to year-long weekly commitments, all aligned with their individual interests and future aspirations.

To ensure successful transitions beyond school, the dedicated 'moving on' coordinator works closely with students and families, uniting them in their goal to maximise each student's independence for life after school. This support extends beyond the classroom through half-termly careers assemblies featuring professionals and successful alumni, next steps evenings and the annual careers fair which turns the school hall into a hub of opportunity.

Sitting alongside this and further demonstrating that the school is carefully actioning its commitment to inclusivity and the needs of all learners, British Sign Language skills are developed and embedded within the curriculum – a programme which provides Philip Southcote learners with valuable communication skills, ensuring that deaf students can fully participate in school life, effectively breaking down barriers within the community.

Alex Russell, BET CEO, remarked: 'Philip Southcote School exemplifies our trust's commitment to extraordinary education. Their innovative approach to combining practical life skills with academic learning ensures every student can work towards independence and meaningful employment. This is exactly the kind of transformative education that changes lives and builds futures.'

Philip Southcote School is a special school for pupils aged 11-18 with moderate learning difficulties and additional learning needs. To find out more about the school please visit their website: Welcome to Philip Southcote School.

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