Oakbridge School
BirminghamMessage from the Headteacher
It is my great privilege to be the Headteacher of Oakbridge School and to lead a team of such wonderful students and caring, dedicated staff. Together, I believe we have created a unique, nurturing environment driven by exceptional relationships and founded on mutual trust and respect.
All our pupils have an autism diagnosis, and many have a range of other additional needs. Most have had significant negative experiences of education prior to joining us. By building a school where all can feel safe and where individual differences are recognised and valued, we ensure that our pupils can unleash their potential. We break down barriers to learning, whether this be academic, social and emotional, or personal development and celebrate each small step on the path to success. We pride ourselves on the difference that we make to our pupils’ lives and the lives of their families, recognising the positive difference they make to us.
At Oakbridge School we understand the effect that a happy, motivated staff team has, and we strive to provide the professional development and support necessary to foster a high-performance culture whilst maintaining an ethos based on empathy, compassion and care. Our curriculum constantly evolves to meet the changing needs of our pupils, but the trauma-informed, pupil-centred approach remains at the heart of all that we do.
We can only achieve success with the help and support of families, carers and a range of partner professionals. We seek to communicate, collaborate and build strong relationships with them all, so that they can help us ensure our pupils continue to thrive and can look forward with confidence to their next steps in education and life.
Adam Render
Headteacher
What We Offer
Individualised education
Individualised education
Our aspirations are high, and we will not allow past experiences of education to lower the ambitions of our pupils. Transition into Oakbridge will include a carefully constructed set of baselining activities that will help us to identify the best educational pathway for each young person who joins us. It will allow us to set challenging educational targets and design the support packages necessary for these targets to be met.
Teaching takes place in small groups, by a highly motivated teaching team who work in partnership with excellent support staff. At KS2 and 3 our offer is broadly based on the National Curriculum but is modified depending on the needs of teaching groups and the individuals in them. At KS 4 a broad range of qualifications are on offer, the level of which is carefully chosen to match the needs, abilities and future plans of the individual.
Therapy
Therapy
Therapeutic input is woven into everyday school life. Our multidisciplinary team includes an Occupational Therapist, a Speech and Language Therapist, and a trained counsellor/play therapist. Staff are also trained in Drawing and Talking Therapy, LEGO® Therapy and the Zones of Regulation.
Our school benefits from a fully equipped therapy suite designed for sensory circuits and specialist interventions. Support is delivered through an integrated approach within the classrooms, and through small-group and individual work where needed.
Life Skills
Life Skills
At Oakbridge School, we are deeply committed to preparing our students for adulthood, further education, and independent living. Our Life Skills and Vocational programme is designed to empower pupils with the practical, social, and personal competencies they need to thrive beyond the classroom.
Life Skills education at Oakbridge plays a vital role in helping students transition successfully into adulthood. By equipping them with the tools to make informed decisions and manage daily tasks, we support their journey toward independence and lifelong success.
