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SEND school

Acorns School

Acorns School is a specialist therapeutic school in Marple, Stockport, for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and learning difficulties.

The school offers a nurturing, safe environment and a personalised approach that helps pupils who have faced challenging times re-engage with education. As an independent special school in England, it is regulated by Ofsted.

Places Available

5-17

On admission

Specialisms

SEMH, Learning Disabilities

Ofsted · Good

Regulated & inspected

About

About the school

Acorns School is a specialist therapeutic school in Marple, Stockport, supporting children aged 7 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and learning difficulties — including those who have found it difficult to sustain mainstream education. We provide a nurturing, safe environment where every pupil is supported as an individual, helping children re-engage with learning at their own pace and build confidence alongside their academic progress.

Specialisms

SEMH Learning Disabilities

About our SEND Schools

A national network of specialist schools and colleges with therapeutic and clinical support built in, for learners whose needs can’t be met in mainstream.
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Resources

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Common questions

Concise, evidenced answers to the questions professionals ask most about our Acorns School provision.

Who is Acorns School for?

Acorns School is for children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and learning difficulties, including those who have found mainstream school difficult to sustain.

Where is Acorns School?

Acorns School is in Marple, Stockport. Referrals and enquiries are handled by the Keys education referrals team.

What type of education do you provide?

We offer:

  • A broad, balanced curriculum aligned with national expectations

  • Personalised learning plans tailored to each student

  • Opportunities to gain qualifications (e.g. GCSEs, functional skills)

  • Life skills and independence development

What makes Acorns School different?

Our approach focuses on:

  • Small class sizes and high staff-to-student ratios

  • Trauma-informed and therapeutic support

  • Strong emphasis on relationships and emotional wellbeing

  • Flexible, personalised pathways to success

How can a child be referred to an Acorns School?

Referrals are usually made through:

  • Local Authorities

  • SEN teams or EHCP processes

  • Social care or commissioning teams

You can also contact us directly, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Do students need an EHCP?

Most students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), but we can discuss individual circumstances if this is still in progress.

What kind of support is available for students?

We provide a range of support, including:

  • Emotional and behavioural support

  • Therapeutic input (where required)

  • Pastoral care and mentoring

  • Structured routines and positive behaviour strategies

Who do I contact for more information?

You can contact our Business Development team or referrals team, who will:

  • Answer your questions

  • Guide you through the process

  • Help identify suitable placements

Enquire about a placement

Tell us about the person and what they need, and our team will talk through availability and the next steps.

Connected Support

Support centred around each individual.

We call it Connected Support.

A network of Care, Education and Health services for children, young people and adults, seamlessly connecting specialist schools, alternative learning solutions, children’s homes, adult residential, supported living and health services and expertise.

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