“When Michael came to you in Year 12, he was a traumatised child, having been rejected by the state education system due to difficulties arising from his disabilities. Although he has extraordinary determination, he would not have been able to achieve his ambitions on this quality alone. Not only has Michael attained and exceeded all expectations academically (grateful thanks to Mr Overland’s outstanding teaching skills), more importantly he has achieved huge gains socially, emotionally and in recovering his mental wellness. These things do not appear in league tables, more’s the pity, and so I would be very happy for you to post any part of this email on your website. In short, the atmosphere and ethos at Hurst Lodge has achieved something that therapists alone would not have been able to. You have taken a traumatised child, and in two years produced a happy, well-adjusted young man with the self-confidence and self-belief to achieve the grades necessary to pursue the future he has dreamt of, but more importantly-friends. Friends (true friends, based on healthy relationships) are surely the ultimate success story for a young person with Michael’s range of disabilities. Healthy relationships underpin effective learning, and I say this not just from a medical perspective, or a parental one, but based on 5 years volunteering for a national charity devoted to helping and supporting parents of children with SEN in education. Instead of sympathetic smiles, every one of you has simply believed in the potential of Michael’s humanity rather than the limitations of his learning disabilities. Michael owes his future to all of you, and I wish you all the very best for what must surely be an exciting, and enduring future for Hurst Lodge and the values you stand for,”
— Parent
“Our son has just finished his first half term at Hurst Lodge in year 6 and we’ve seen a transformation in both his confidence and academic progress. Picking the right school for your child is hard but do your own research, choose based on how the school’s ethos, aims teaching methods fit your requirements rather than anyone’s opinion if they don’t have a student there currently. For us we are so very glad we made the decision to come here and believe Hurst Lodge has a bright future which our son is delighted to be part of.”
— Parent
“Hurst Lodge School is everything a school should be. Forward thinking, ambitious, nurturing. It cares deeply about every child and ensures they do absolutely their best, whether that be 10 A*s or anything else. Nobody is written off and everyone’s talents are celebrated whether that’s in the classroom, on the sports field, in the dance studio or in art or drama. If only every school were like this one.”
— Parent
“A great family school, each child is valued for who they are, they are known by all staff throughout the school and they feel safe and happy and are confident in their learning. It’s transformed my girls and I’ve found from the teaching staff, to the admin team, to the senior management team, even the kitchen staff everyone truly wants what’s best for each child. They know them and will work hard to achieve that - thoroughly recommend”
— Parent
“The merge has really made changes but they are definitely for the good! I am in KS4 and love the school so much that now I am on half-term I miss being able to attend such a brilliant school.”
— Student
“Hurst Lodge is more a family than a school. A true ‘home from home’ school, where the teachers know your name and the children thrive. It’s our very own bubble of happiness, where you can literally watch your children go from strength-to-strength.”
— Parent
“This school has been excellent. My daughter started as a shy student but is now a confident independent learner. The school treats the children as individuals and puts their best interest first.”
— Parent
“As you know when a child leaves the family environment for the first time it is difficult for the child and parent. The approach that you have all taken has made this transition much smoother for us all. From day one I felt Hurst Lodge was the right environment for my son and have never had any concerns.
He is already developing in areas within the term he has been attending and I am excited to watch him continue to grow.
I would recommend Hurst Lodge to anyone without hesitation and would like to thank you all once again for everything you have done for him.”
— Early Years Parent
“I just wanted to thank everyone for making my grandson’s first year at Hurst Lodge such a happy one. We think the school is wonderful and are quite sure will help him achieve his full potential-whatever that may be. ”
— Grandparent
“There is such a change in the school in terms of atmosphere, a real sense of kindness, generosity and togetherness amongst all. It is a privilege to be a part of the Hurst Lodge journey and has opened our eyes to a new way of doing things, thinking outside of the box if you like.
The dedication, commitment and encouragement from the staff team is very clear with the children and so powerful in what can sometimes be a fragile journey through adolescence.”
