Let Us Help You Find the Right Route
The Orchard provides several different education and equestrian offers. Please choose the enquiry route that best matches what you are looking for so your message reaches the right team.
Alternative Provision
For commissioned placements for learners aged 8–16, including referrals from schools, Local Authorities, Virtual Schools, SEND services, Early Help or Children’s Social Care.Parents and carers may make an initial enquiry, but Alternative Provision placements must be formally commissioned.
Post-16 Education
For enquiries about specialist vocational education for young people aged 16–25, including Horse Care and our planned Animal Care and Horticulture pathways.Young people, families and professionals are welcome to register their interest.
Home Education
For parent funded group enrichment, BHS Challenge Awards, Pony Club opportunities or the separate Level 1 Horse Care pathway for suitable learners aged 14–16.
Safeguarding
The safety and wellbeing of learners, visitors, staff and animals are central to everything we do.If you have a safeguarding concern connected with a learner or The Orchard’s education provision, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Team:
Email:support@theorchard-ec.co.uk
Telephone: 01302 888139
Please mark your email Safeguarding Concern and provide only the information necessary for us to understand and respond to the concern.Email is not monitored continuously and should not be used when somebody is in immediate danger.
If a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, call 999. For urgent safeguarding concerns outside The Orchard’s opening hours, contact the appropriate Local Authority children’s services or emergency service.
Safeguarding concerns will be handled sensitively and shared only with relevant people in accordance with our safeguarding responsibilities and privacy procedures.
General Enquiries
For general questions about The Orchard Equine & Land Based College that are not covered by our dedicated Alternative Provision, Post-16 or Home Education enquiry routes, please contact:
Email: college@theorchard-ec.co.uk
Telephone: 01302 888139
Please do not send detailed medical, safeguarding or confidential learner information by general email. If further information is required, our team will explain how it can be shared securely.
Safeguarding concerns should be directed to our Designated Safeguarding Team using the safeguarding contact details provided below.
Post-16 Meet & Discover Days
Considering Post-16 education at The Orchard?
Visit our dedicated Meet & Discover page to view upcoming dates, learn what to expect and book a place.
Meet & Discover Days are exclusively for prospective Post-16 learners aged 16–25. They are not Alternative Provision trials or assessments.
Visiting The Orchard
Visits to The Orchard are strictly by prior arrangement and confirmed appointment only.
As an active education, equestrian and animal care environment, we carefully manage access to the site to protect the safety, privacy and wellbeing of learners, staff, visitors and animals.
Please do not arrive at The Orchard without an appointment.
Visitors with a confirmed appointment will receive:
The full address and arrival instructions
Their agreed date and time
Details of where to report on arrival
Appropriate clothing or footwear guidance
Any relevant access and safety information
Prospective learners may be invited to visit as part of an assessment, supported introduction or agreed enquiry process. A visit does not confirm that a placement or programme place has been offered.
Stay Connected
Keep in touch with The Orchard.
Sign up for occasional news, programme updates, helpful resources and ideas for supporting young people to build confidence, independence and skills for the future.
Whether you're a parent, carer, education professional or simply interested in what we do, we'd love to keep you connected with The Orchard.
college@theorchard-ec.co.uk
You can unsubscribe at any time. Please see our Privacy Policy for information about how we use your data.
Follow The Orchard
Stay connected with The Orchard and see our practical learning environment in action.
Follow us for:
Learner achievements and celebrations
College news and programme updates
Post-16 opportunities and Meet & Discover dates
Home Education and enrichment updates
Life across our equine, animal-care and land-based provision
Please do not use social media messages to contact us, make referrals, share confidential learner information or report safeguarding concerns. Use the appropriate contact route provided on this page.