About Our School

The Marchant-Holliday School is an Independent Special School, offering weekly boarding and day places, that exists to provide education and care for boys in the 5-13 age range who have Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH).  The school is a registered charity and has a board of Governors who are the Trustees.

The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All staff work to provide a safe and stimulating environment that meets the needs of children referred to the school. Emphasis is placed on quality of provision and the School works hard to ensure good practice and full compliance with current educational and childcare standards.

The school’s aim is, “to offer positive learning experiences within a secure and caring environment that will enable pupils to develop their full potential for social, emotional, intellectual and physical growth”. To reach our aim we work with our young people to achieve the following:

Positive feelings of self-worth

Intellectual growth and academic progress

The development of appropriate and lasting relationships

The development of a full range of life and social skills and positive attitudes towards families and society

The development of the moral and spiritual values that will enhance the pupils’ lives and help them to become effective and valued members of society

The enjoyment of school life and the promotion of happiness, confidence and a sense of wellbeing that will support their learning and behavioural needs.

The School seeks to develop an environment that is caring, structured and secure. Emphasis is placed on providing high standards of primary care within an atmosphere of trust and respect between adult and child. There is strong emphasis on safeguarding and child protection, achieved through involvement of a committed governing body, excellent staffing levels, effective liaison with outside agencies and the use of independent visitors and counsellors.

Staff focus upon providing the highest possible standards of education and care, and upon enthusing pupils with a love of learning in its widest sense. Through creative, broad and balanced experiences we inspire confidence and celebrate the uniqueness and successes of all.

It is the School's stated aim to be open and welcoming to both parents/carers and agencies involved with pupils. The development of a good relationship with families is regarded as essential for the achievement of the best possible outcome for each pupil.