New Woodlands School

New Woodlands is a Special School for children and young people with a primary need of social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) this includes children and young people with a diagnosis of ADHD, ODD and, attachment disorder. We support pupils from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4, providing a nurturing, structured, and highly personalised learning environment. 

Our vision

To be the most effective and innovative mixed provision for pupils with SEMH in key stages 1-4

Our mission

We aim for every pupil to achieve his or her full potential. Every student to leave New Woodlands School literate, numerate and with the functional communication and self-regulation skills to participate in society including education, training and employment.

Our curriculum

We follow the full mainstream curriculum, ensuring every student has access to a broad and balanced education. Teaching is delivered through adaptive, trauma informed, and relationship-based approaches, allowing each pupil to learn at a pace and level that suits their individual needs.

Class structure

• small classes of 8 students
• 1 class teacher
• 2 teaching assistants

This structure ensures pupils receive the attention, consistency, and support required to thrive.

Specialist support on site

We are proud to have a strong multi-disciplinary team working closely with staff and students.
Our on-site professionals include:

• Educational Psychologist – 2 days per week
• Speech and Language Therapist – 2 days per week
• Occupational Therapist – 1 day per week
• Two therapists providing a combined 4 days per week of therapeutic support

This collaborative approach ensures that pupils’ emotional, social, and communication needs are met holistically.
Where required we work closely with a variety of outside agencies to support our young people and their families.

Interventions and support programmes

We offer a wide range of targeted interventions designed to build confidence, communication, and positive behaviour. These include:

• LEGO® Therapy
• zones of regulation 
• anti-social behaviour intervention programmes
• social skills development
• language for emotions and behaviour (LFBE)

All interventions are delivered within our trauma informed, relationship focused model, ensuring students feel safe, supported, and understood.

Key stage 4 pathways

At KS4, students have access to a variety of accredited qualifications, including:

• GCSE English
• GCSE Maths
• BTEC Food 
• entry level 1-3 humanities Science and PE
• Bronze Art award
• additional qualifications (details available on the school's website)

Students also take part in practical, vocational learning one day per week in year 10 at Young Lewisham Project (YLP), helping them develop real world skills and prepare for life beyond school and include Vocational Qualifications in carpentry, bike mechanics, music and many more.