Marlowe School

DFCS No.: 916/6072

Marlowe School is an Independent Special Day School first established and registered with the Department for Education in 1992. It currently offers a maximum of 6 Primary and 16 Secondary Placements (20 max.) to students with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties and/or Mild Learning Disabilities/Developmental Disorders. The school provides education for children and young people living in children's homes run by Marlowe Child & Family Services and day students living locally with their families, in foster care (including Safe Steps) and those placed with other residential care providers.

The School functions in two distinct parts. The Primary School, which operates in its own, separate building at the far end of the school site, is for students at KS2. The Secondary School works with students at KS3, KS4 and KS5. The Primary and Secondary Departments have their own teaching teams and uniform. This distinction allows a ‘normalised’ transition at 11 years. For some KS3 students, whose functional maturity is low, a 'primary model' of teaching is continued, with the school providing a de facto 'Middle School'.

The school provides a full timetable, with most students attending for the whole school day.

The staff team are managed by Head Teacher Robert James. All teachers are qualified and experienced, and are supported by NVQ qualified Teaching Assistants.

The Curriculum

The School offers National Curriculum with a focus on core subjects of English, science and maths. ‘Academic’ Subjects such as the core subjects and IT, RE, humanities and modern languages are delivered in 45-minute lessons in the morning, when most students have their maximum attention span. Afternoons are given over to Creative Subjects such as art and drama, physical education and Social Skills Training and an Alternative Curriculum. There is also an emphasis on providing bright displays of students work as a way of enhancing self-esteem. School Uniform is provided, and students are expected to wear it. We believe this offers students ‘normalisation’, reduces distraction and potential issues of conflict.

To address the large learning gaps many of the students have, NLNS Wave 3 Intervention Programmes have been used to raise attainment levels.

The intervention programmes include:

• Catch Up - Reading, Spelling and Writing Programme
• ICT Word Shark - Alpha to Omega Spelling Strategy
• ICT Number Shark - Number Programme
• Literacy Box - Raising Literacy Levels
• Precision Teaching

During the past two years a combination of these programmes has improved the reading of some students by as much as two years, and all students have made significant progress in at least one curriculum area.

Location & Facilities

The school is located in Hartpury, about 4 miles from Gloucester. The premises, which was used as the village primary school between 1859 to 2000, has been modernised and extended to provide a spacious and airy learning environment. In addition to large classrooms there is an IT Suite, Art and Craft & CDT Facilities and a Food Technology room. There is also a large Playground. 

The School offers opportunities for each student at KS4 to achieve success in external examinations including GCSEs, Youth Award Scheme and ASDAN or AQA Schemes. Marlowe School is a Registered Centre for GCSE examinations. Work experience is also available at KS4 and KS5.
 The ethos is around ‘normalising’ the experience of going to school for ‘Looked After Children’, many of whom have had negative experiences of education. We have high expectations of behaviour, effort and attainment and attempt to maximise the potential of each individual student.

We are committed to ensuring that children and young people, disadvantaged by their home background, do not suffer in terms of educational opportunity and success, nor struggle with low standards and attainment so often associated with the ‘Looked After System’. Class sizes are small, usually a maximum if four students, each with a teacher and a qualified teaching assistant at KS2, KS3 and KS4. Post 16 students at KS5 are offered opportunities to improve educational attainment, especially in terms of examination opportunities as well as support to make a successful transition to further education and/or the world of work.

The school offers a structured day with clear routines and behavioural expectations. There is regular reinforcement of appropriate behaviours. Work tends to be delivered in small units and Individual Education Plans focus on regular reinforcement of both academic and behavioural targets.
 Each student is supported to maximise independent working skills, improved social communication and group interaction skills.

Assessment & IEPs

An Initial Assessment on admission, coupled with background information and the student's Statement of Special Education Needs provides the basis of an initial plan. This information is improved on with a lesson-by-lesson assessment of educational and behavioural functioning. Within six to eight weeks of arrival, each student will have a comprehensive Individual Education Plan. Students monitor their own progress via weekly charts. They can measure success in attendance and achievement through a points system.

Day Students

Referrals for students at KS2, KS3 and KS4 can be made by contacting Robert James, Head Teacher.

In some circumstances transport to and from school can be facilitated. Support and activities or students during the holidays periods can also be provided in some circumstances.

Prospectus & Contact Details

A full School Prospectus, published annually, is available from: