Our School

 

Breakspeare School is a local authority, community day school catering for pupils aged 3-19 who have severe learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties. Some students have additional needs such as visual impairment, hearing or sensory impairment or a physical disability. A minority have complex medical needs, including a few life threatening conditions requiring a minimum of full time one-to-one staff to meet their needs. A growing population of pupils are on the autistic spectrum disorder. All students have either a statement or an education, health and care plan that identifies their special needs.  

Breakspeare School main site is located in the historic village of Abbotts Langley in a semi-rural area of Southwest Hertfordshire.  Breakspeare School formulated the Sunflower Federation with Meadow Wood School (PNI) in May 2017. The schools  share leadership and one governing board. 

 

Our school has a wide catchment area centred round North Watford and the surrounding areas. The economic and cultural mix of this area is reflected in the population of the students. The students have 18 different first languages and cultural backgrounds.

 

The school is organised into three phases; in June 2024 there are 4 classes in Phase 1; 6 classes Phase 2 and 4 classes in Phase 3. All our teaching groups are mixed year groups and mixed key stages; the students’ age and learning needs inform their grouping.

 

Breakspeare School main school building is in need of total modernization if it is to reach the current standards of 21st century SEN provision. The LA has decided to relocate Breakspeare School to a new school building at Durrants site, Croxley Green in 2026 / 2027 and to expand Breakspeare School to have 210 students.

Breakspeare School has been oversubscribed for several years and has a long waiting list. Whilst planning and contracting a new school, the LA is gradually increasing Breakspeare School student numbers from 105 to 153.  Two of Breakspeare School’s classes are co-located at Meadow Wood School site in Bushey. Breakspeare School is also closely liaising with the LA about temporary expanding Breakspeare School with 6 new classes in 2024 -2025 to be able to provide placements for SLD children in the waiting list. This satellite unit is co-located at Holywell Primary School site, in West Watford.

 

When Breakspeare School new school building is ready the students will move to Durrants’ site from all its units e.g. from Abbots Langley (main school), Bushey (Meadow Wood School) and West Watford (Holywell)

 

The school holds the following awards;

 

  • Full International School Award, British Council 2018-2022 (2010-2013, 2013-2016, 2016-2018) in recognition of its partnerships with schools across the world
  • EYFS Quality Mark; Gold 2022, Silver (2021) in recognition of high quality EYFS provision
  • Committed to work towards meeting the Quality in Careers Standards incorporating Gatsby Benchmarks 2019
  • Advanced ASD Accreditation NAS 2022-25, (2019-2021) in recognition of exemplary autism provision that makes impact beyond the school
  • Autism Accreditation NAS (2013-2016, 2016-2018) in recognition of meeting high quality autism provision
  • AQA internal assessment quality mark 2017
  • Outstanding Ofsted inspections 2003, 2007, 2013, 2017, 2023
  • ECO School, Silver Award

                                                                                                     

The school is working towards the following award;

  • Makaton Friendly School; Careers Quality Mark; Communication Friendly School Award; Move – school