High Peak School
Cheshire EastCurriculum & Approach
At High Peak School, our curriculum meets the academic, social, and emotional needs of every pupil. A structured induction ensures a smooth transition into school life, while individualised learning plans support personal development. Our values and behaviour expectations promote respect, responsibility, and resilience, celebrating achievements and fostering a positive learning culture.
Pupils follow personalised programmes across Key Stages 2, 3, and 4, with an additional pathway for those who benefit from a more therapeutic approach. The Raise pathway combines core subjects with life skills, PSHE, Citizenship, vocational qualifications, thematic learning, and targeted therapeutic support, helping pupils develop confidence, independence, resilience, and practical skills for adulthood. At Key Stage 4, pupils choose from BTECs, Cambridge Nationals, Open Awards, and GCSEs, aligned with their interests and career goals. Core subjects are structured to progress from Entry Level and Functional Skills in Years 9 and 10 to GCSEs in Year 11.
Teaching is structured to enable pupils to acquire, consolidate, and apply knowledge effectively. Reading is prioritised, with assessments and phonics programmes ensuring fluency and confidence. Careers education is embedded from Year 7, while enrichment opportunities—including outdoor learning, sports, and leadership—develop independence, life skills, and employability.
Our dedicated clinical team—including occupational therapists, speech and language specialists, and assistant psychologists—work alongside staff to deliver tailored interventions. Weekly ‘Team around the class’ meetings and daily briefings allow strategies to be adapted in real time. Pupils with SEND receive additional support, with adaptive teaching and guidance from external professionals where needed.
High Peak School provides a structured, nurturing environment that removes barriers to learning. By combining education, therapy, and strong pastoral care, we empower pupils to overcome challenges, achieve their potential, and build a future filled with confidence, independence, and opportunity.
National Curriculum
High Peak School delivers a broad, balanced, and relevant curriculum tailored to pupils’ age ranges and abilities. The curriculum includes core subjects alongside Digital Media, History, Geography, PSHE, Performing Arts, Food Technology, Art, RSE, Outdoor Education, PE, Careers, Health and Social Care, Land Skills, and Animal Care. Pupils can also access vocational courses such as construction, mechanics, music, animal care, gardening, catering and hospitality, and land-based skills. The curriculum supports pre-GCSE, GCSE, BTEC, Functional Skills, and Entry Level certificates and is continuously reviewed to ensure individual needs are met and outcomes maximised.
RAISE Pathway
The RAISE Therapeutic provision is an alternative pathway and a fundamental part of the school’s clinical and pastoral support structure. The provision supports KS3 – KS4 pupils, who have a variety of social, emotional and mental health (SEMH), emotionally based non-school attendance (EBSNA), and autism profiles, who require a more bespoke environment to access a therapeutic and life skills curriculum in addition to a core and vocational programme.
The Flexible Learning Profile (FLP) is a personalised plan designed to support pupils with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) or other social, emotional, and mental health needs. It provides a flexible timetable, targeted support, and opportunities for recovery, allowing pupils to progress at a pace that suits them. The FLP can include therapeutic sessions alongside academic learning, helping pupils build confidence, resilience, and engagement with education. This adaptable approach ensures that every pupil receives the right balance of academic and emotional support to thrive.
Outdoor and physical education
Physical activity is central to school life. Pupils take part in PE lessons, team sports, and the Outdoor Education, which offers structured challenges and adventurous activities that develop fitness, resilience, confidence, and teamwork while promoting healthy lifestyles.
Life Skills
Life skills are embedded across the curriculum, giving pupils practical experience in cooking, personal finance, travel training, time management, and self-care, supporting independence and preparation for adult life.
Community Engagement
SMSC education enhances understanding of diversity, responsibility, and community. Pupils contribute through roles such as animal care and student council participation, while charity work strengthens social responsibility. Pupil voice informs decision-making, and students engage with democracy and British values through discussions and school initiatives. Inclusivity ensures equal access for all pupils.
Enrichment and wider opportunities
Creative, cultural, and recreational activities, alongside vocational learning in catering, horticulture, construction, mechanics, digital skills, land skills, animal care, and health and social care, equip pupils with practical skills, qualifications, and confidence for further education, employment, or apprenticeships.
Our school offer ensures pupils receive a rich, engaging, and personalised learning experience that fosters academic achievement, personal growth, and lifelong skills.
Vocational skills offer
The school’s vocational offer provides engaging, practical learning opportunities in areas such as construction, mechanics, and catering via one day college placements. Digital communication and literacy skills, media skills, land skills, horticulture, health and social care, and animal care (delivered on the school site) equip pupils with work-related skills, qualifications, and experience. These programmes build confidence, independence, and real-world employability, helping pupils develop industry-related skills and prepare for further education, apprenticeships, or work.
