Principal’s welcome

Welcome to Hurst Lodge

At our heart, we are an inclusive school that promotes courtesy, kindness, and consideration. We provide a holistic approach to education, and we place learning, creativity, and the building of self-worth at the centre of school life; individuals are valued and encouraged to have a sense of their own worth, to show consideration for others, and to see learning as a lifelong pleasure.

Throughout the school we offer a balanced academic curriculum enhanced by an aesthetic and creative programme of study. At GCSE and A-Level, learning choices are diverse, with a strong core subject base offered alongside traditional and vocational options. Our pupils are supported by a dedicated team of staff who are committed to achieving the very best for their students. 

On joining Hurst Lodge students have the option of several different pathways, depending on their needs. Our Hurst provision takes children from Year 2 to Sixth Form, accessing the mainstream GCSE and A Level pathway with tailored support.  Our Lodge provision is for those who need a specialist setting with a bespoke and tailormade curriculum, to include Occupational Therapy and Speech & Language Therapy, further benefitting from small classes and a pathway towards nationally recognised qualifications. 

Our Moderate Learning Difficulty provision is for those whose learning levels are below their peers; they are taught core subjects at a level that meets their needs within small classes, and the class join their peers in Hurst for creative and vocational subjects. Our Sixth Form provision is bespoke, with students being taught in very small groups and accessing a life skills programme.  Entry to Further Education and UCAS applications are supported.

We are proud to have created a secure and purposeful environment for pupils here at Hurst Lodge, allowing children the space to develop to their full potential, both mentally and physically. Our students are guided to become successful individual learners as well as responsible, respectful citizens. They gain pleasure from their environment and work towards personal goals, but they also contribute to the school and the wider community.

We celebrate and encourage self-expression, creativity and participation, balancing these qualities with the importance of self-discipline, good manners and respect for others. Ultimately, every pupil at Hurst Lodge is given the opportunity to succeed on their own terms and we delight in celebrating a wide range of different achievements together as one school family.

Victoria Smit

Hurst Lodge Principal