Kirby Moor School
Kirby Moor School is an independent specialist school operating under North Lakes Children’s Services, part of the Polaris Community. The school caters to pupils aged 7 to 18 who face challenges related to social interaction, emotional regulation, and mental health. With a strong emphasis on attachment and trauma-sensitive approaches, Kirby Moor School strives to create a nurturing environment where every pupil feels valued and supported.
The school operates across two sites: the main Kirby Moor campus in Brampton, Cumbria, and the Herdley Bank annex in Coanwood, Northumberland. Each site is designed to meet the diverse needs of its pupils, providing tailored educational experiences that promote both academic and personal growth.
Educational Approach
Kirby Moor School’s ethos is grounded in the Attachment and Trauma Sensitive School Approach, ensuring that pupils feel included, valued, and supported in their education, regardless of their previous experiences. Many pupils arrive at the school with disrupted learning histories, often facing challenges related to social interaction, emotional regulation, and mental health. The school’s approach recognises these difficulties and prioritises building trust, emotional security, and self-confidence before academic progress.
A key element of the school’s educational philosophy is the focus on developing the whole person. Staff work closely with each pupil to identify their individual strengths, interests, and areas for development, adapting learning strategies to meet their needs. The school fosters resilience, self-regulation, and independence, helping pupils develop not only academic skills but also the life skills necessary for future success. Through structured routines, therapeutic interventions, and a curriculum designed to re-engage students in learning, Kirby Moor School creates a stable foundation for long-term progress.
Curriculum
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to individual educational needs:
- Key Stages 2 and 3: Pupils are taught National Curriculum objectives at levels matching their abilities, with additional sessions for careers guidance and life skills.
- Key Stage 4: Accreditation routes are carefully planned, offering courses such as GCSEs, Functional Skills, Cambridge Nationals, ASDAN Courses, or Unit Awards, depending on each pupil’s needs.
The curriculum is designed to be consistent and stimulating, ensuring that all pupils can thrive academically and personally.
Facilities and Environment
Kirby Moor School provides a well-equipped and structured learning environment designed to support both academic and personal development. Each classroom is carefully designed to accommodate small class sizes, ensuring that pupils receive individualised attention from highly trained staff. With a maximum of six pupils per class, each group is led by a qualified teacher and supported by at least one learning support assistant, fostering a supportive and focused atmosphere for learning. In addition to general classrooms, the school offers specialist facilities for subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Art, Design Technology, Humanities, and Music. These dedicated spaces allow students to engage in hands-on learning, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and the development of practical skills.
Physical activity and outdoor learning play an integral role in the school’s approach to education. The school provides a variety of physical education opportunities, ensuring that students can develop teamwork, coordination, and resilience. Outdoor activities such as mountain biking, walking, climbing, and team-building exercises offer pupils valuable experiences that extend beyond the classroom, helping them build confidence and perseverance. By combining a well-resourced learning environment with an emphasis on physical and outdoor education, Kirby Moor School creates a dynamic and engaging setting where pupils can thrive both academically and personally.
Staffing and Class Structure
Kirby Moor School maintains a highly structured and supportive learning environment, with a strong emphasis on individualised attention. Each class consists of up to six pupils, allowing teachers to tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of every student. Classes are led by experienced and qualified teachers, supported by at least one learning support assistant, ensuring that students receive the guidance and encouragement they need to progress. This low student-to-staff ratio enables the school to provide a nurturing and calm atmosphere where pupils feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn. In addition to academic staff, the school has a dedicated pastoral team that works closely with students to support their emotional well-being, social development, and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, Kirby Moor School employs a multidisciplinary approach, with a range of staff members contributing to pupils’ holistic development. The team includes pastoral staff, therapeutic support specialists, and a school nurse (RGN) who ensures that pupils’ health and well-being needs are met. Staff work collaboratively to create learning plans and behavioural support strategies, helping students develop resilience and independence. Regular training in trauma-informed approaches, attachment theory, and mental health awareness equips staff with the skills needed to support pupils effectively. By fostering a culture of care, consistency, and high expectations, the school empowers students to reach their full potential in both their academic and personal journeys.
Contact Information
For further details or to discuss potential placements, please contact:
Headteacher: Mrs Karen Blaylock
Address: Kirby Moor School, Longtown Road, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 2AB
Telephone: 016977 42598
Email: info@nlcs.uk.com
Our Schools
Our schools provide specialist education for children and young people with a variety of complex needs.
Our mission is to provide each pupil with a tailored, diverse and appropriate education in a safe, supportive environment that promotes engagement, inspires learning and encourages achievement.