"The values and ethos of Human Scale Education are central in ensuring that we equip our school students and our schools for the 21st century."
Professor Tim Brighouse
Human Scale Education patron
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SchoolsThis is a list of alternative schools which are members of Human Scale Education, a charity which promotes small scale structures within education. Inclusion on this list does not guarantee that the school adheres to Human Scale Education's philosophy.: EastRed Balloon Learner Centre Group 49 New Square, Cambridge, CB1 1EZ, Phone: 01223 366052, Contact: Carrie Herbert, Email: admin@national.redballoonlearner.org.uk, Website: www.redballoonlearner.cambs.sch.uk, Age range: Eleven to seventeen yearsThe centre offers a safe learning environment to secondary age children who have refused to go to school because of bullying. They have three aims: to raise their self-esteem, get them back on an academic track and support their return to mainstream education. Special needs: The students have all suffered emotional damage. They do not cater for children with specific learning difficulties.
St Andrew's is a small special school for children with communication difficulties and vulnerable children. They also work with school phobic children and children who are home-educated. They are child-centred and offer the National Curriculum so that pupils with Statements of Special Needs can be paid for by their Local Authority. They usually have between 6 to 10 children on a daily basis. They do not work with children with severe behavioural disorders. Special needs: Language and Communication needs - including Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Aspergers Syndrome. Vulnerable children - bullied, school-phobics, separation anxiety, extreme shyness, children who have been hospitalised and need to catch up on the basics.
Summerhill is a democratic, self-governing community. Pupils and staff have equal voting rights. Attendance to lessons is non-compulsory. Summerhill is the oldest progressive school in the world, founded by AS Neill in 1921. London and South EastAbinger Hammer Village School Abinger Hammer, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6SE, Phone: 01306 730343, Contact: Shirley Corke, Age range: Infant (rising 5s to 8yrs and occasionally to 11 yrs)This is a small, single teacher school with 15 pupils at present. It does not follow any particular regime, aiming to provide a sound and wide-ranging education for children. Some of these children have experienced problems in other schools, but most go on to attend local state schools.
A small, independent non-profit-making school catering for pupils who do not attend mainstream secondary school for a variety of physical and social reasons e.g. ill health, pregnancy, school refusers, excluded pupils etc.
Situated in the Hampshire countryside, 60 miles Southwest of London. With a maximum of 65 students, it has the feeling of a large family, rather than a boarding school. Learning about oneself and others is enhanced at Brockwood by having an international body of students from about 20 different countries. Brockwood maintains a low student staff ratio, at present 7:1, which helps optimise attention, communication and learning.
A small community of 50 children and 5 full-time staff housed in a converted Baptist chapel in central Kingston. The emphasis is on the child’s balanced development. The curriculum follows the National Curriculum with children working in mixed age groups. The principles of the Alexander Technique, Brain Gym and meditation are used on a daily basis.
At present only 7 pupils until they can find larger premises. More than half the students are paid for by the LEA or local schools, although they are independent. Great Oaks has a holistic approach and achieves a great deal with students who are school phobic for various reasons. They exist for young people who do not fit the mainstream system or who find the mainstream system does not fit them. Special needs: Greak Oaks are designated suitable for students with mild learning difficulties and those who are school phobic. They follow a daily exercise programme to improve problems of co-ordination, gross or minor motor skills.
Established in 1986, the school is situated in a bright and cheerful building in the Crouch End area of London. The school’s atmosphere is welcoming, calming and happy. Children are helped to develop as individuals – socially, intellectually, physically and emotionally. Through its child-centred approach and broad curriculum, the children are inspired to want to learn.
Situated on a wooded site, Inwoods Small School seeks to provide children with space to flower. They are not bound by the National Curriculum and offer many alternative activities. Competition, pressure, rewards and punishments are avoided and sensitivity, creativity and harmonious relationships are nurtured. They view learning as a process of learning for both teachers and students.
A ‘reluctantly private’ small school with classes of up to 20 children, an ethos of emotional intelligence and a ‘green’ philosophy.
Our educational philosophy is founded upon the belief that the full potential of children may only be realised when their sense of well being and belonging is at its optimum. The New Forest Small School is a child centered, independent school for children aged 3 - 12, set in the heart of the New Forest. We provide a flexible, balanced education designed to meet the needs of the whole child. This is reflected in our modern, holistic curriculum where academic lessons are concentrated into high quality, active periods making up no more than 50% of the school day. This gives the children plenty of time to develop social skills through play and independent skills through individual project time. With direct access to the New Forest available we spend as much time as possible outside. Children may attend on either a full time or part time basis - we welcome children who are also home schooled. Special needs: We have had great success with children who, for whatever reason, cannot cope in mainstream schools, as well as children with mild learning difficulties and mild aspergers. We also have a specialist dyslexia tutor who visits the school weekly.
"One World Montessori Nursery and Pre-Preparatory School caters for boys and girls between the ages of 2 and 7 years, with a maximum of 8 children per class in the Pre-Preparatory department. Our aim is to give the children a broad and balanced start to their education and the confidence to achieve their potential in a warm, happy and nurturing environment. A holistic approach is fundamental to our philosophy. We seek to bring out the best in every child - to awaken the child's spirit and imagination and help him or her to find joy in learning; to nurture and preserve the child's natural curiosity, helping him or her to develop an openness to the unlimited possibilities of life and to help the child develop a positive self-image as the key to the development of his or her full potential. One World is located on Brook Green, W6, in the heart of a leafy residential area within easy reach of Kensington, Olympia and Hammersmith Underground Station.
A school with small classes. SEN helpers work with children at their own pace and at their own level. There are lots of extra activities - French, German, drama, choir, computer club, horse-riding and jujitsu. All year round care is available, if required. Special needs: Dyslexia, Autism, Dyspraxia and Downs Syndrome.
There are 600 pupils including 120 boarders. The school has a strong self-government system and is informal with everyone being on first names terms. The diet is vegetarian. There is no religious affiliation. They take children who are academically 'average ability and above'. There are excellent facilities including a 25m indoor pool, theatre and ICT centre. Special needs: There are a limited number of special needs pupils.
Sunrise Education Trust is dedicated to the holistic growth and development of children. Its Neo-Humanistic philosophy encourages children to love and respect all, regardless of culture, race religion or nationality and to extend this love to animals plants and the environment. The curriculum aims to foster the individual development of all aspects of the child's being, intellect, creativity and intuition. Tha National Curriculum subjects are interrelated through topics which are explored in a logical cyclical order. The Montessori method of education is utilised to teach the academic subjects. The Sunrise Primary School particularly promotes health and well-being through vegetarianism, yoga exercise and meditation.
The Ark is a small child friendly school that aims to provide a less restricted environment, where children feel secure and build up their self-confidence. Here the children are able to develop a love of learning and have their individual needs respected while learning at their own pace. A home educating mother, with visiting teachers runs the centre. Parents are always welcome to contribute their skills or knowledge. There are indoor and outdoor facilities including use of a hall with musical instruments, playing fields and activity resources, trampoline and adventure trail.These are all based in a beautiful country setting easily reached from Reading, Newbury and Basingstoke. Our Human Scale Education strives to meet the needs of the whole child, is based on caring relationships, involves children democratically in decisions about their learning and how the centre is run. We work closely in partnership with parents and the local community in a small-scale setting where children are known and valued as individuals. The centre is open Monday - Thursday 9.30-3.00 for 30 weeks of the year in 5 blocks of 6 weeks.
This is a Buddhist Primary school. Special needs: Children with special needs are considered individually.
Established by parents looking for a humanistic educational alternative for primary school children, the Family School are planning to build a new building on a lovely tree filled site in Clapham, South London next year. At the moment we are working with our first group of children in large, light and bright temporary premises in Brixton Hill. We have rejected the rigidity of conventional teacher-led lessons, in favour of an educational approach which focuses on each child's individual needs, interests and motivations. Children are given a large degree of freedom and the right to manage their own school day. Indoor and outdoor play, practical activities such as cooking and woodwork, self initiated projects, learning through doing, taking risks and engagement with nature are seen as essential parts of a child's education and a considerable emphasis is also placed on developing effective and respectful relationships with others without systems of punishment or rewards. Experienced teachers work as a team in the classroom supporting individual children's plans and leading activities for small groups and there is a minimum ratio of 1 adult:4 children. Our democratic teaching approach is influenced by Carl Rogers, George Dennison, Piaget, John Holt, John Dewey and the Reggio Emelia approach. Not bound by the national curriculum and not administering SATS. Mixed age groups; non religious. Parents are welcome to participate in all school activities. Places are available now for 4 - 7 year olds and for next September. MidlandsDame Catherine Harpur's School Rose Lane, Ticknall, Derbyshire, DE73 1JW, Phone: 01332 862792, Contact: Margaret Whyte (Headteacher), Email: damecatherines@hotmail.com, Website: www.dame-catherines-school.co.uk, Age range: Nursery and primary. 3 - 11 years.A rural village school in the heart of the village of Ticknall. The nursery is 'government funded', no top-up fees charged. It is sessional, with a maximum of 8 children per session, mornings or afternoons. In the school there are two classes - key stage 1 and key stage 2. These are mixed age and mixed ability groups. The school is independent, funded by parents through subscription, fundraising and credited work for the upkeep of the school.There is a maximum of 15 children per class group.
Our school Philosophy is simple “One Size Does Not Fit All”... Your child only gets one chance at an education so make it one that counts: school days should be a happy fulfilling journey, where self expression is tied with achievement. Why is New Elizabethan School special? New Elizabethan school is different in many ways, primarily because we look at the child as a “whole” taking care to meet their emotional, physical and personality needs as well as their academic ones. We ensure our children feel supported, valued, eat and drink well and exercise regularly; experience a full school life with lots of interesting extra curricular time for worldly pursuits from exciting trips to cooking/gardening. We recognise that while some children have difficulties in some areas, all children have huge potential; their hopes and dreams should be nurtured along with their talents so that our children leave school each day happy, stimulated, healthy and rewarded for their effort and achievement. Ultimately we aim to realise each child’s potential and build on their strengths, so that their self-esteem and positive self-image reflects their endless capabilities. For further information, please contact the school directly. Special needs: Specialisms in the areas of Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, School Phobia and Flexi-schooling.
The Poplars caters for 29 children and is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac close to Nottingham City Centre. Key aspects of The Poplars process are: learning is seen as an active life-long process that starts at birth; they offer a small, personal and supportive environment, with a friendly atmosphere; they understand that for the children, each stage of development underpins the next; they work closely with parents to develop confidence and trust.
A village primary school run by trustees and staff for, and on behalf of, the villages of Priors Marston and Priors Hardwick. They have no LEA funding anmd the school has a registered charity status. NorthGlen House Montessori School Crag Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire HX7 5SQ, Phone: 01422 884682, Contact: Margret Scaife (Headteacher), Email: glenhouseschool@3-C.coop, Age range: Primary and secondaryThe school was established in 1986 and is situated in the Calder Valley in a large country house in its own grounds. There are up to 9 children in the nursery/infant class, up to 10 in the 6-10 year old group and up to 6 in the 11-15 year group. The school has its own organic garden where children are actively involved. They are encouraged to become aware of their environment and the ecological balance. ScotlandCasa Della Pace Montessori Ecoschool The Glebe, Kemback, Fife, Scotland, KY15 5TS, Phone: 01334 650029, Contact: Lesley-Ann Patrick, Email: casadellapace.montessoriecoschool@virgin.net, Age range: Nursery and primary. 3 - 11 years.Holistic school with ethos based on teachings of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, India's leading social reformer. The ethos enables children to manifest ancient human values of love, right conduct and non-violence. The school uses Montessori teaching methods and is equipped with Montessori materials for all ages. The school is democratic with regular meetings of children and adults to raise issues and shape curriculum. Forest School skills are also introduced and environmental awareness is present in all subjects.
The school has a holistic approach with a wide-ranging curriculum. South WestPark School Park Road, Dartington, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6EQ, Phone: 01803 864588, Contact: Amanda Bellamy, Email: park@schooldartington.freeserve.co.uk, Website: www.park-school.info, Age range: Infant and primary, ages 3-11Park School is in its seventeenth year of providing progressive education in spacious and beautiful surroundings. Education at Park is based on the idea that the relationship between teachers and students and the relationship of students with each other is of prime importance. The school offers a solid foundation in core skills and also puts a strong emphasis on ecology, use of the outdoors and creativity. There are 50 students. Parents are active contributors to the life of this innovative school. Fees are on a sliding scale based on an ability to pay. Special needs: They aim to provide for the all-round needs of the child.
The school is co-educational and democratic. The students choose their curriculum. The school offers 10 GCSE subjects and students usually take 6-8 of them. Students are involved in management and decision-making in all aspects of the school - there is no headteacher. Special needs: They have some children with various learning difficulties - dyslexia and Aspergers Syndrome for example - but they do not specialise in this. However, the small classes mean that some students with special educational needs do very well at Sands.
A Steiner-based co-educational school that does not believe in exams. They aim to prepare the young people in their care with a rounded education that can lead them wherever they want to go.
A small school offering an holistic nursery and infant education based on the work of Frederich Froebel. Children's own interests inform much of the curriculum planning. Outdoor activity, work with natural materials, yoga, dance and imaginative play are all included alongside the usual infant school areas of learning. Special needs: The school currently caters for children with autism, cerebral palsy and expressive language delay. Any child is eligible for entry, regardless of individual differences.
A secondary school in a village setting with considerable community and parental involvement. They aim to balance the spiritual, the academic and the practical, as well as providing a setting in which students can fulfil their potential. They offer sufficient GCSE subjects for students to move to the next level of education.
This venture is an exciting exploration into ways of working in the Waldorf curriculum outside the normal school structure. It requires of students a high level of motivation. Aims of the College include: experimental education with an emphasis on integrating science and art; Project based cross-curricular learning, with students taking up co-responsibility for both their learning and the functioning of the college. OrganisationsMontessori Schools Montessori Centre International, 18 Balderton Street, London W1Y 1TG, Phone: 020 7493 0165
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© HSE 2005
