Outstanding Therapeutic Education
The Ellern Mede Orange Tree is a leading co-educational secondary school focussing on health, happiness, and a holistic education
A school that puts the needs of your child first
Welcome to The Orange Tree School, an independent secondary school for students aged 11 to 18 who will thrive in a small, therapeutic and nurturing environment.
Our outstanding staff supports our students by providing specialised and tailored education and care to pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and those without. Our school provides inspiring teaching that meets their learning needs and enables them to fulfil their potential.
We believe every child is unique and pride ourselves in delivering bespoke education and care that embraces the individual’s needs and aspirations.
At the heart of our ethos is a child centred approach which seeks to minimise anxiety and develop positive relationships, focus on building confidence, celebrating accomplishments and academic achievements.
Some students find mainstream settings overwhelming and need a more caring and calmer environment. Furthermore, at Orange Tree School we offer year round admissions so that - regardless of the time of year - all of them will find a safe, warm, and supportive atmosphere here at Orange Tree School.
#OTStories
DM, Student
"The adults are kind."
"There are no bullies"
"It feels like there is less pressure and I like being there."
When DM joined during the 2021 - 2022 academic year, he was understandably anxious about the new school setting. However, over his first terms he has quickly settled into the school community and has begun to truly flourish here. He has developed strong relationships with his teachers and this trust has enabled him to engage with his studies knowing that they are always on his side and doing what is best for him. This also means that when there are wobbles or concerns, DM knows that he has a team of people around him that know what to do.
DM has also been quick to build friendships at OTS and his personality has rubbed on off on other students and the school in general. Just one example of this has to be his part in naming the school shed "Fred the Shed" and helping to organise its grand opening.
It is incredible to see just how quickly someone can change once joining the school. Parents have commented to us that once he started they have begun to see "the real DM" again.
CM, Parent
My year 8 son has just completed his first term here. He was struggling to attend mainstream secondary due to anxiety and had withdrawn from mainstream classes and his attendance was extremely patchy. After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, we were able to convince our local authority to name Orange Tree in his EHCP and he started at the beginning of this term just finished.
Now he has settled, he is now ready with his rucksack on his back, ready to leave every morning before I am. He's happier, less anxious and life has become significantly easier since he started here. We're seeing hidden talents (music!) come to the fore, and he's enjoying being part of this currently very small school community.
Life with a child with additional needs is never going to be smooth-sailing - issues do arise but the staff here deal with them with such kindness that it further builds the trust in the teacher/student relationship which anxious students need in order to feel safe and be able to learn.
This is a new school which is just growing - it felt like a bit of a gamble to me when we found it but it is a gamble that has paid off for our family. It's honestly changed our lives.
MC,Parent
“Thank you to all staff for supporting L's transition to the Orange Tree School. We simply cannot overstate how transformative it has been for L to join the school (as we hoped it would). We know she now enjoys going to school, has made new friendships and feels safe and supported in the setting.”
WHAT MAKES THE ORANGE TREE SCHOOL SO SPECIAL
Our Core Values
Unique Educational Vision
An Orange Tree School, education is a bespoke experience that combines small group teaching, a tailored curriculum, and outstanding pastoral care. We believe that education should nurture the whole student and not 'just' be about getting grades.
Outstanding Staff
From our teachers to our inclusion team and clinical specialists, every member of the Orange Tree School team is an expert in their field with a wealth of experience. They all understand the complexities of the young people they work with and know how best to enable them to reach their fullest potential.
Vibrant Location
Set in a former church in the quiet North London town of Whetstone, the Orange Tree location is itself a key part of our students’ education. The timeless exterior combined with modern facilities speaks to the school’s character that combines classical foundations with cutting edge ideas.
Therapeutic Environment
A key dimension of the support we offer is the therapeutic environment. We understand that sometimes clinical support is required for our students to help them overcome the challenges they may face. By integrating therapeutic support within the school experience for those children, we can more effectively implement strategies as a team.
Welcoming Community
The Orange Tree is more than just a school. It is a community founded on strong support networks and caring relationships. Our young people learn to build relationships and develop their communication skills as part of a close-knit community.
Years of Experience
The Orange Tree School was founded in late 2021. The central core of the school emerged from the consistently Ofsted Outstanding Ellern Mede Schools. The team behind the Orange Tree School has over 20 years experience at the top of specialist education provision.
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