At Gordano School, we’re proud to put inclusion at the very heart of our school community. Every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and able to access learning in a way that suits them best. That’s why our SEND team works tirelessly to make sure every child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) feels welcomed, understood, and empowered.

Our students tell us:

“They’re really nice staff who give lots of support.”
“I’m feeling more comfortable coming to school.”
“It does make you feel included.”

Meet Our SEND Leadership

 

With over 20 years of experience in specialist education settings, Julie Caswell brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Holding a BA Hons in Art Practice, a PGCE, and the prestigious National Award for Special Educational Needs Coordination, Julie’s journey through diverse specialist roles has uniquely equipped her to support a broad spectrum of SEND needs.

Julie’s career has seen her nurture creativity and learning in various settings, from her early days as a tutor and project worker in Bristol, to leading Art departments in alternative provision schools across Bristol and Wales. Her progression from teacher to SENDCo and Head of Student Support highlights her unwavering commitment to inclusive education and student wellbeing.

“Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in a way that celebrates their individual strengths and helps them overcome challenges,” Julie says. Her approach combines empathy with practical strategies, ensuring students are empowered to thrive both academically and personally.

Alice Hall’s journey into SEND began after a unique blend of academic and professional experiences. With a BSc Hons in Mathematics and Philosophy, a PGCE, a Postgraduate Award of Proficiency in Assessment for Access Arrangements, and the National Award for SEND Coordination, Alice combines analytical precision with heartfelt dedication.

Her career path spans roles from Market Analyst at the London Stock Exchange to teaching and leadership positions in both mainstream and specialist education settings. Alice’s passion lies in supporting students with a wide range of SEND needs, and she takes pride in crafting tailored interventions that unlock every student’s potential.

“Understanding each student’s individual challenges and strengths is the key to meaningful support,” Alice explains. “My goal is to make sure every learner has the tools and confidence to succeed in and beyond the classroom.”

More than just support...

Our SEND team prioritises strong, supportive relationships with every student. With an open-door policy and a visible presence throughout the school day, they are always available to offer guidance and reassurance when it's needed most. The team is actively involved in students’ daily lives—getting to know them as individuals and ensuring their needs are met with care and consistency.

The team includes specialist teachers and teaching assistants who deliver targeted help with literacy, numeracy, social and emotional wellbeing, and more. Students can access quiet rooms, sensory spaces, and our beautiful Secret Garden—a calm woodland area that helps many of our students feel grounded and happy.

      

We also run an Enhanced Transition programme for Year 6 students with SEND to make the move to secondary school as smooth and positive as possible.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to be developing new provisions, including The Compass—a specialist group for Year 7 students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) - READ MORE HERE —and a dedicated space for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, supported by North Somerset LEA.

What Parents Say About Our SEND Team:

“With the end of the academic year upon us, I want to say a huge thank you for the support you’ve given my son during his first year at Gordano. Before starting secondary, he struggled at primary... I was worried about him coming to a large school…my son has not only coped—he’s thriving. The personalised interventions and adaptive learning have helped him improve so much that he’s now working at or above the average for his age in some subjects. His resilience is growing and his experience at Gordano has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“Gordano’s SEND department has fully supported my son through his transition to secondary school. We knew it would be challenging, but the SEND team are always there for him. They’ve built his confidence, made sure he felt heard, and helped him settle with tailored action plans and specialist learning. They support him—and us as parents—every step of the way.”

“As we approach the end of Year 7, we want to thank the entire SEND team for their dedication, care, and support. The personalised help our child has received has been exceptional. We encourage any parents of new Year 7 students to speak openly to the team—they are incredibly helpful and supportive.”

“Thank you all for playing such a key role in my child’s time at Gordano. You have been the safe space they desperately needed. Despite challenges, your nurture, patience, and understanding have helped them thrive without shame or judgement. With diminishing resources, your dedication has been nothing short of amazing—they wouldn’t be where they are without you.”

At Gordano, we’re proud of the difference our SEND team makes every day. Their dedication helps every student feel included, valued, and ready to succeed.

Year 12 students have had a packed and purposeful week, filled with activities designed to help them begin planning for life after Year 13.

Gordano School has successfully wrapped up its highly anticipated Activities Week - an extraordinary annual highlight that offers students an exciting variety of experiences beyond the classroom.

After nearly two years of dedicated planning and preparation, an intrepid group of Year 12 and 13 students have officially embarked on their World Challenge Expedition 2025. Running from 8th July to 9th August, this four-week adventure will take them through the incredible landscapes of Mozambique and Eswatini, with a special two-night safari experience in Kruger National Park, South Africa.

The action-packed itinerary includes everything from pristine beaches and remote islands to challenging mountain treks and immersive wildlife experiences. Students will also have the unique opportunity to take part in horse riding, exploring small local towns, and engaging with conservation projects both in marine and terrestrial environments.

A major component of the expedition focuses on charity work and environmental conservation. Students will contribute to marine conservation efforts by monitoring coral reef health and entering vital data, and on land, they will assist in tracking animal migration patterns as part of ongoing wildlife studies.

This expedition is designed to be entirely student-led, offering participants real independence and leadership experience. From camping and self-catering meals to navigating travel logistics, the students are taking charge—supported by the expertise of experienced expedition leaders Mr Pugh and Miss Oakman, who have guided many similar journeys in the past.

Preparation began in September 2023, with students committing to physical, mental, and financial readiness. In the lead-up, they have engaged in weekly Couch to 5K runs, taken part in fundraising activities, hosted school event refreshment stalls, attended regular planning meetings, and completed a training weekend on Dartmoor. Their final preparations took place on 7th July, with kit checks, currency exchanges, and final equipment pickups.

This is more than a school trip—it’s an unforgettable experience that promotes resilience, teamwork, cultural awareness, and global citizenship.

We wish the group a safe journey and hope they return with lifelong memories and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Gordano School is thrilled to celebrate the successful completion of its Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Qualifying Expedition, which recently took place in the rugged and beautiful landscapes of Snowdonia National Park. Over several days, students tackled mountainous routes with confidence, navigating tough terrain, battling with the midges at campsites, and working seamlessly in their expedition teams — all while enjoying sunshine, stunning views, and a strong sense of achievement.

Polly Oakman, who leads the DofE programme at Gordano School, praised the students:
"Our Gold participants were incredible. They showed perseverance, initiative and maturity throughout the expedition. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions — both in terms of weather and team spirit. The students truly rose to the challenge and should be immensely proud of what they’ve accomplished."

This expedition marks the final step in a demanding year-long journey, with students also completing their Volunteering, Physical, Skills, and Residential sections. Their next destination? Buckingham Palace, where they will be invited to a special Gold Award Celebration Event to mark their extraordinary achievement.

This follows in the footsteps of last year’s Gold Award recipients from Gordano — Frankie S, Sam B, Joe W , Hamish L-T and Bertie W — who were honoured at Buckingham Palace earlier this year. The celebration, held in the palace’s stunning gardens, brought together Gold Award holders from across the UK in recognition of their commitment, service, and personal development. Representing Gordano School at such a prestigious event was a huge honour, and this year’s cohort will have the same remarkable opportunity.

Gordano School remains a regional leader in the DofE programme, with the highest number of new starters in the South-West for the second consecutive year. A total of 336 students are participating in the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards this year:

• 195 Bronze
• 91 Silver
• 50 Gold

"We had 306 take part last year and we’re proud to have grown the programme even further," said Ms Oakman. “The Duke of Edinburgh Award equips our students with real-world skills, builds resilience and self-belief, and encourages them to make a difference in their communities — all qualities that reflect the values we hold at Gordano.”

Each DofE journey is individually tailored, with students selecting their own activities and causes to support. With four key sections — and five at Gold level — the award pushes young people beyond their comfort zones and gives them the tools to thrive. As HRH Prince Philip, founder of the DofE, once said: “There is more in you than you might think.”

With universities and employers around the world recognising the value of the DofE Award, Gordano School is proud to support students in achieving this prestigious accolade and looks forward to seeing this year's Gold Award recipients celebrated at Buckingham Palace in 2026.

In May, our Year 8 Geography students had the exciting opportunity to visit Cheddar Gorge as part of their Key Stage 3 fieldwork studies.