Gordano School is proud to announce the launch of The Compass, a brand-new specialist provision designed to support Year 7 students with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs). Opening its doors in September 2025, The Compass represents a significant step forward in the school’s commitment to inclusive education.

Over the summer break, Miss Caswell and Mrs Hall have worked tirelessly to prepare the space—building and moving furniture, cleaning, and transforming the area into a calm and supportive environment for our new Year 7 pupils. Their dedication has ensured that The Compass is ready to welcome its first cohort.

A Purpose-Built SEND Provision

The Compass is a carefully designed base within Gordano School, offering a nurturing, structured environment for a maximum of twelve pupils per class. It includes:

• A main classroom for core learning
• A sensory room to support emotional regulation
• An intervention room for personalised support

 

           

Students will benefit from high-quality teaching adapted to meet individual needs, delivered by specialist teaching assistants and subject experts. While most learning will take place within The Compass, pupils will join the wider school for practical subjects, promoting integration and a sense of belonging.

A Focus on Individualised Support

To maximise support, students in The Compass will not follow a modern foreign languages curriculum. Instead, this time is allocated for specialist interventions tailored to each child’s specific learning profile—boosting both progress and confidence.

A Day in The Compass

Each day starts with students joining their assigned tutor groups in the main school, helping them stay connected with the wider school community. They then move to The Compass for a nurturing start to their academic day. Supported transitions between base lessons and mainstream practical lessons ensure that pupils are always guided and encouraged.

At break and lunch, students can access the Student Support area, offering a quiet space for building friendships, playing games, or seeking additional help.

Supporting Progress and Long-Term Success

The Compass will operate within a robust framework of ongoing support and evaluation. Progress will be regularly reviewed using the assess, plan, do, review cycle, with annual review meetings involving parents, pupils, and staff. These reviews will guide decisions about whether continued placement in The Compass is appropriate for each pupil beyond Year 7.

National Recognition for Inclusion

Gordano School has been awarded an ‘Area of Excellence’ in Inclusion by Challenge Partners—an accolade that reflects its deep-rooted commitment to supporting students with SEND. The launch of The Compass strengthens this dedication, offering a new level of specialist care within a mainstream setting.

Find Out More

Families seeking more information about The Compass are encouraged to contact the SEND team at:
📧 SEND@gordanoschool.org.uk
You can also visit the SEND webpage 

As we welcome the first students to The Compass this September, Gordano School reaffirms its mission to provide outstanding, inclusive education for every learner.