Three Bridges School is a small independent Special Educational Needs school set in a rural location, near the city of Truro in Cornwall.

Our school works with learners with a broad range of SEND, including Cognition and Learning, Communication and Interaction, Social Emotional Mental Health, and Sensory and Physical. We specialise in supporting and educating young people with Autistic Spectrum Disorders and associated conditions.

We provide a personalised and well-rounded approach to education for learners aged from 11 to 19 years, delivering Key Stage 3 and 4, and Post-16 Education.

Our curriculum is taught in ways which meet the individual needs and interests of each young person. This includes bespoke learning programmes, core curriculum subjects, a range of AQA qualifications, Functional Skills and The Outdoor Curriculum. The curriculum provides academic, practical and independence elements. We encourage our young people to engage in learning experiences, and to challenge and inspire them; we teach the way the learner learns.

All learners participate in emotional well-being sessions that are tailored to meet their individual needs. These allow young people to explore and learn what it means to maintain a good, healthy and balanced lifestyle.

These bespoke sessions are designed to support learning from our PSHE curriculum and encourage learners to explore and connect with others and with their environment.

Learners are encouraged to communicate their needs using a variety of methods, including but not limited to, sensory exploration, mindfulness activities, exploring the outdoors and nature, as well as providing opportunities to talk.

Learners can also work 1:1 with trained staff to support with specific challenges in their lives which are often sensitive issues. All of this is done in a collaborative approach with parents.

We know that learning outside the classroom is a highly effective way to engage reluctant learners, allowing a range of educational and vocational activities through focus on practical, independence and environmental skills. A less formal approach also encourages shared learning and building of social skills.