MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER

The Gillford Centre is a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) for KS2, KS3 and KS4 students living in North Cumbria.  School 180 is an alternative provision for students in KS4 based on a seperate site.

We are a busy but friendly PRU, with lots going on. This website aims to give you a taster of the school, as well as providing up to date information for parents, pupils and the wider community.

Our students come to us at various points during their Primary and Secondary schooling – usually as a result of their previous school placement having broken down, whether through ill-health, behaviour issues or other difficulties – frequently feeling less than positive about themselves and their life chances.

We aim to provide our students with a tailored education to meet their individual needs and designed to give them the skills to improve their life chances and realise their potential.  We aim to support the progress of the learners; enabling them to develop self esteem, confidence, self worth, engagement in education alongside qualifications which enable them to access future pathways.  

Our priority is to help get them back on track, either through a return to regular schooling or by completing Year 11 with us, so that they emerge prepared to make a positive contribution in the community and in their life after the Gillford Centre or School 180.

The development of the learner’s personal integrity, self-respect and citizenship is central to all of our work.  The Gillford Centre provides a supportive, consistent educational environment, providing the highest quality Alternative Educational Environment and experience for pupils 7-16.

We promote positive mental health alongside academic achievement – whilst developing social skills, independence, self-motivation and respect for others. As an 'ACEs informed school', we understand that young people cannot be successful learners until they feel safe, valued and can be supported to regulate their emotions.

The Gillford Centre is a place where young people can learn through supportive interaction, experience and success.  We aim to provide a safe environment for both young people and staff so that the emphasis can be placed upon growing, learning and fulfilling potential.  

We pride ourselves on the wrap around pastoral support we offer to all our students. We constantly challenge and review our approach seeking to unlock student potential and enable all students to have the confidence to make positive choices with the aim of a successful return to mainstream school. The Gillford Centre offers provision for a range of students aged between 7 and 16, as a result of Managed Moves, Permanent Exclusions or out of area placements.

We are committed to improving the life chances of our young people by removing barriers to learning, participation and achievement. 

Working in partnership with stakeholders is a very high priority.  The concerns of parents/carers will be listened to and acted upon where possible so that the needs of their children are effectively met. We also work with many partner organisations such as Health, Social Care, Police and SEND support services.

I hope you find our website useful, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly for further information and support or click on our facebook link below.

To access remote learning, please login in to the website using your pupil login.

Rachel Clark
Headteacher