The why

At Heartwood House we understand that mainstream school isn’t for everyone. Most of our students have tried lots of different ways of learning that haven’t worked, and they often feel disillusioned and often let down by the adults around them. For this reason we strive to be totally different to any other educational experience they have had.

We aim to create a homely, welcoming, safe, and non-judgemental community. It is really important that we build strong, supportive relationships with our students, without this, none of our other work can take place. We take the time to get to know our students and what interests them, what they find difficult, what they would like to get from their time with us. For many student who join us, it is the first time they have felt “heard” and that their opinion is valued.

We never force students to participate in any activity in which they are not comfortable. Our aim is that students develop an intrinsic motivation to learn, based on their innate curiosity and their innate drive to progress. Students at Heartwood House are not learning “to please the staff” – they are learning, both academically and emotionally, in order to grow towards a more positive future, one which we help them visualise and believe in.

With this in mind, it is very important that students at Heartwood House understand that they are part of the community through choice, and not because anyone else has persuaded or coerced them to be there.

Our goal

Nearly all of the students who join us at Heartwood House choose to stay with us until they have completed their GCSEs or some other qualifications. Many arrive having missed significant school time, so it’s not uncommon for them to need a little more time to secure the qualifications they want. That’s perfectly fine by us—if it means staying an extra year or two to fully prepare for their futures, we’re here to help. Some students that join us, plan on going back into mainstream education – we’re here to support that journey too.

But the ultimate goal at Heartwood House extends far beyond academic achievement. We’re committed to nurturing students who embody resilience, respect, and compassion. Our aim is to cultivate individuals who are ready and able to move forward to the next stage of their educational journeys, most transitioning to colleges and sixth forms with confidence.

We strive to empower our students to become self-advocates—capable of expressing their needs and aspirations. Independence is a key milestone in our educational approach, ensuring that when our students progress, they do so with the ability to stand on their own two feet. At Heartwood House, success is multifaceted. It’s not just the pride in a qualification earned; it’s the journey of personal growth that leads there.

Our values

Before considering the values of Heartwood House, it’s important to understand where our name comes from. The heartwood is the wood at the core of the trunk of a tree. It is strong, resilient, and robust. The heartwood is what gives the tree its capacity to withstand any storm.