ADO River Valley Independent Special School

A full-time Independent Special School based outdoors focusing on a broad and balanced curriculum with an equal emphasis on education and wellbeing.

It aims to spark adventure and wonder for learning and life and build students' resilience and self-esteem to face life’s challenges.


Who can access
Students aged 14 to 19 with an EHC who struggle in traditional education. 

They are a BTEC accredited centre and offer a wide variety of Vocational Qualifications in subjects that include:

• sport
• equine studies
• animal studies
• land-based studies

They also offer Functional Skills in Mathematics English and Digital Skills.  Experience and qualificationsThey have specialist staff including therapists to support the needs of students with a range of special educational needs and complex learning difficulties or disabilities including mental ill health. 

They have therapy qualifications and experience including specialisms in:

• Counselling
• Animal Therapy
• Equine Therapy and Facilitated Interactions
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
• Relaxation Therapy
• Occupational Therapy 
• Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy