Orchard Therapeutic Farm provides a practical, personalised alternative education pathway for young people in Years 7–11 who may be experiencing social, emotional, and mental health needs, additional learning needs such as ADHD or autism, or challenges like emotionally based school avoidance. Our farm-based setting combines hands-on, real-world learning with therapeutic support, enabling students to re-engage with education in a way that feels relevant, purposeful, and achievable.

The secondary curriculum is flexible and adapted to each learner’s needs, interests, and aspirations. It blends functional skills in English and maths with vocational and creative subjects, including horticulture, animal care, bushcraft, cookery, art and design, sport, and beekeeping. Every subject is delivered through our trauma-informed, values-led approach — Engage, Explore, Empower — ensuring that learning builds confidence, skills, and independence.

This stage of the Orchard Model supports students to move from engagement to empowerment, preparing them for life beyond compulsory education. Through Orchard Therapeutic Core Programme, Outreach & Barns, and Orchard Active, learners can choose the environment and structure that suits them best, while accessing therapies, interventions, and personalised mentoring.