The Willows, Rishton
The Willows is a specialist SEN school for children and young people aged 5–16, located in the calm and welcoming surroundings of Rishton. Our setting provides a quiet, supportive environment where pupils feel safe, understood and ready to learn.
At The Willows, we recognise that every child learns differently. Our curriculum is carefully tailored to individual learning styles, needs and abilities, ensuring that each pupil is supported to make meaningful progress—academically, emotionally and socially. Small class sizes, structured routines and skilled, compassionate staff allow us to adapt learning so that every child can engage, succeed and grow in confidence.
Inspired by the willow tree, we believe in every child’s capacity for adaptability, resilience and growth. With the right support and encouragement, our pupils develop the flexibility and self-belief they need to overcome challenges and work towards their full potential.
We work closely with families and professionals to create a consistent, nurturing approach where children feel valued and empowered. At The Willows, we don’t just focus on outcomes—we focus on the journey, celebrating progress at every stage and helping our pupils grow strong, both academically and personally.
Silver Birch, Burnley
Silver Birch School is a specialist independent school providing education for young people aged 11–16 who have social, emotional, and mental health needs, autism, communication difficulties, or cognition and learning challenges. We offer a supportive and structured environment where every pupil is encouraged to grow in confidence, develop essential skills, and reach their full potential.
Our vision is to create an inclusive, nurturing, and aspirational learning community where pupils feel valued, understood, and inspired to achieve. Like the silver birch tree — a symbol of strength, adaptability, and renewal — we believe in helping our learners build resilience, embrace their individuality, and flourish in life beyond school.
PRIME
Pupils Re-engaging in Mainstream Education
PRIME is a personalised, short-term education programme designed to support children and young people who are missing education or whose school attendance has become a significant concern. Working with learners aged 5–19, PRIME provides intensive mentoring and tutoring to help identify barriers, rebuild confidence and create a clear route back into learning.
At PRIME, we understand that every learner’s situation is different. Some pupils may be unable to attend school for medical reasons, while others may be experiencing emotional based school avoidance, poor attendance, exclusion, relocation or a period of disengagement from education. Our approach is shaped around each young person’s needs, strengths and interests, helping them take positive steps towards stability, routine and progress.
Programmes can include one-to-one tutoring at home, support in an agreed appropriate setting, online learning, project work, accredited courses and intensive mentoring to improve school readiness. Clear objectives and outcomes are agreed from the start, with regular reviews to ensure each learner is supported in a way that is purposeful, flexible and realistic.
We work closely with families, Local Authorities, schools, carers and professionals to prepare learners for successful reintegration into school, college, training or work. With skilled, compassionate staff and highly personalised support, PRIME helps young people re-engage with education, rebuild self-belief and move towards their next stage with confidence.
