Funding & Admissions
Accessing Provision at The Orchard Equine College
The Orchard Equine College provides:
• Alternative Provision for learners aged 8–16
• Specialist Post-16 provision for learners aged 16–25
All placements are accessed through Local Authority or school commissioning routes.
We do not offer privately funded or self-funded placements.
Ages 8–16: Alternative Provision
The Orchard delivers structured Alternative Provision (AP) for learners aged 8–16 who are unable to access mainstream education.
How Placements Are Accessed
Placements are commissioned by:
• Schools and academies
• Multi-academy trusts
• Local Authorities
Learners may be referred due to:
• Risk of exclusion
• Anxiety or emotionally based school avoidance
• Social, emotional or mental health needs
• Requirement for a practical, therapeutic learning environment
Funding
Alternative Provision placements are funded by the commissioning school or Local Authority.
We do not offer private or parent-funded AP placements.
Referrals
Referrals are accepted from:
• Schools and academies
• Local Authorities
• Other commissioned education providers
Parents and carers should speak to their child’s school or Local Authority to discuss referral pathways.
Ages 16–25: Specialist Post-16 Provision
The Orchard Equine College provides specialist post-16 education for young people aged 16–25 with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
How Placements Are Accessed
Placements are accessed through the Local Authority EHCP consultation process.
The College may be named in Section I of the EHCP where it is considered appropriate.
Funding
All post-16 placements are funded by the Local Authority via the EHCP.
We do not accept privately funded or self-funded placements.
Assessment & Visits
Where appropriate, prospective learners may be invited to:
• A Meet & Discover day or assessment visit
• A planning meeting to discuss support needs and intended outcomes
Visits support decision-making but do not guarantee a placement.
Suitability, Capacity & Safety.
All placements are subject to:
• Assessment of suitability
• Health and safety considerations
• Capacity within the provision
Not all referrals can be accepted. Decisions are made collaboratively with commissioning bodies to ensure placements are appropriate, safe and in the best interests of the learner.
Who Can Refer
We welcome referrals and professional enquiries from:
• Schools and academies
• Multi-academy trusts
• Local Authorities
• SEN teams
• Other commissioned education providers
Parents and carers may make initial enquiries; however, placements must be commissioned through professional referral routes.