Our Curriculum

At The Stables Independent School, we offer a personalised, trauma-informed curriculum that balances academic progress with emotional healing and personal development. Our curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum while also being responsive to the individual needs, interests, and experiences of our pupils.

All of our learners have experienced early life adversity, disrupted attachments, and challenges that can impact their ability to engage with mainstream education. As such, our curriculum offer is both comprehensive and compassionate — rooted in the belief that every child can succeed when they feel safe, valued, and understood.

Our curriculum ensures that:

· Pupils receive meaningful, personalised and accessible learning, with a strong focus on core areas English, Mathematics and Science, delivered in ways that rebuild confidence and nurture success.

· Therapeutic principles such as Thrive, PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy), and DDP (Dyadic Developmental Practice) underpin daily classroom practice to support emotional wellbeing and resilience.

· Learning is meaningful and contextualised, enabling pupils to connect their experiences to the world around them and apply their knowledge in real-life situations.

· Kindness, empathy and emotional growth are taught and modelled, helping pupils develop secure relationships and a stronger sense of self-worth.

· Fundamental British Values (democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs) are embedded throughout the curriculum.

· Growth Mindset principles are nurtured to help pupils face challenges with confidence and optimism.

· Cultural capital is expanded, giving children access to opportunities, experiences, and knowledge that broaden their horizons and support upward social mobility.

· Life skills and independence are explicitly taught to support pupils in preparing for their next steps in education, adulthood, and life beyond care.

Our small class sizes, high staff-to-pupil ratios, and consistent adult support mean that we are able to respond flexibly and creatively to each child’s journey.

We believe that learning is not just about academic outcomes, but also about personal growth, curiosity, and connection. We want every child to leave The Stables not only with the key skills and knowledge they need, but with a renewed sense of confidence, a love of learning, and the tools to thrive in the wider world.

Above all, we aim for our pupils to understand the power of cooperation, contribution, and respect for others — and to recognise that some of the greatest achievements in life are made through collaboration, compassion, and perseverance.