Funding & Admissions
The Orchard Equine College provides Alternative Provision for learners aged 8–16 and 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 Equine College delivers Alternative Provision (AP) for learners aged 8–16 who are unable to access mainstream education.
How placements are accessed
Placements are commissioned by schools, academies, MATs or Local Authorities
Learners may be placed due to:
Risk of exclusion
Anxiety or emotionally based school avoidance
Social, emotional or mental health needs
Need 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/carers should speak to their child’s school or Local Authority to discuss referral options
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 deemed 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 and visits
Where appropriate, learners may be invited to:
A taster or assessment visit.
A meeting to discuss support needs and outcomes.
Visits support planning but do not guarantee a place.
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 in partnership with commissioning bodies to ensure placements are safe and appropriate.
Who Can Refer
We welcome referrals and 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.