EVERYONE MATTERS, EVERYONE CARES
THE ORCHARD SCHOOL
The Orchard School is a Foundation Special School. We cater for 116 pupils who have behaviour and learning difficulties as identified by their Education Health and Care Plans (EHC Plans).
Our school caters for primary and secondary aged pupils in three separate phases.
Staff at The Orchard are skilled in working with pupils who have a range of difficulties that prevent them from accessing their learning.
our school values
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trust -
belonging -
aspiration -
voice -
pride -
curiosity
key dates
20Mar
Red Nose Day
All Day
26Mar
Year 5 Open Evenings (Booking Required)
4:00pm – 5:30pm
02Apr
Term 4 Ends
All Day
20Apr
Term 5 Begins
All Day
23Apr
Year 5 Open Evening (Booking required)
4:00pm – 5:30pm
04May
Bank Holiday
All Day
22May
Term 5 Ends
All Day
01Jun
Term 6 Begins
All Day
15Jun
Summer Fayre
All Day
16Jun
Community Day
All Day
Dear Parents and Carers, We would like to let families know about a lovely community event taking place at The Orchard School this Sunday, 22 March. The Whitstable Toy Run Association (WTRA) will once again be visiting the school as part of their annual Easter Egg Run. Riders will set off from Tankerton at 12:00 and are expected to arrive at The Orchard School at approximately 15:00. The group ride motorcycles through the area collecting and delivering Easter eggs to schools and charities. It is a wonderful act of generosity and community spirit. Last year the riders donated over 450 Easter eggs, which were shared between our pupils, St Nicholas Special School and local food banks. Their support makes a real difference to many families. Weather permitting, families who are nearby are very welcome to come along and help us show appreciation and say thank you to the riders who give up their time to support local children and charities. We are incredibly grateful to the Whitstable Toy Run Association and all the riders who take part. Their kindness and commitment to supporting the community is something we are proud to be part of. Finally, many of you will know that our recent Ofsted inspection report will be published soon. The new national framework no longer gives overall graded judgements. Instead it provides detailed feedback about the school's strengths and areas for development. We look forward to sharing the report with families and continuing the positive journey we are on together at The Orchard. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Christmas Jumper Day! Let's spread some festive cheer and make a difference together! Staff and students can wear their favourite Christmas jumper and donate just £1 to support Save the Children. Every little bit helps bring joy and hope to children in need. Date: Thursday 11th December 2025 Let's make this Christmas brighter for everyone! #ChristmasJumperDay #SaveTheChildren #FestiveFun
Join Us for Orchard School's Primary Christmas Fayre! Date: Wednesday, 17th December Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Location: Orchard School Bring the festive spirit and enjoy: A mini performance by Falcons class Crafts, goodies, games & refreshments All Primary Families Welcome! Please bring coins for stalls and activities. All proceeds go to Porchlight – supporting homeless and vulnerable people. We can't wait to see you there!
Primary Christmas Fayre!
Thank you to every family, member of staff and pupil who donated, baked, bought a cake or simply helped lift the spirit of our Children in Need cake sale. The response was genuinely touching. Days like this remind us what makes The Orchard School special. When our community comes together, we show in the simplest but most powerful ways that everyone matters and everyone cares. Your kindness, effort and generosity will make a real difference, and we are truly grateful.
Children in Need 2025
School Dog!
https://www.orchard-school.com/About-Our-School/Open-Evenings/
The Orchard School – Term 5 Update We're proud to end Term 5 by celebrating all we've achieved together! Everyone Matters. Everyone Cares. Our new Mission, Vision & Values – shaping The Orchard Way Ready. Respectful. Safe. – Our clear, simple school rules Exciting improvements coming this summer to enhance learning New logo & website launching soon! And a special shout-out to our amazing Year 11 pupils as they finish their time at The Orchard and continue their exams. We're so proud of all you've achievedgood luck in your next steps! Thank you to pupils, families, staff and governors for being part of the journey. Let's keep growing together #TheOrchardWay #ClassOf2025 #EveryoneMattersEveryoneCares #ReadyRespectfulSafe #SEMH #SchoolCommunity #Proud
A letter has been added to the website regarding the next Parent Support Group. Please see link below for more details: