The Orchard Equine College

Equine education & alternative provision in Doncaster

The Orchard Equine College is a registered and approved alternative education provider offering equine-based personal development and City & Guilds accredited qualifications for young people aged 8–16 and post-16.

What began as a muddy field and a simple vision has grown into a calm, supportive equine education setting where learners who may not thrive in traditional classrooms can build confidence, routine, resilience, and real-world skills. Our approach is hands-on and rooted in the power of horses to support communication, emotional wellbeing, leadership, and personal growth.

At the heart of our offer is the Orchard Reins and Roots Journey. Our very own bespoke & fully flexible programme for learners aged 8–16, delivered as a 12-week intervention or extended into a personalised long-term placement. This pathway can also lead smoothly into our post-16 accredited programmes, with City & Guilds Level 1–3 qualifications in Horse Care, Equine Management, and Coaching.

With experienced, values-led staff and a nurturing rural environment, The Orchard Equine College is a place where young people feel supported, capable, and ready for their next steps - guided by knowledgeable coaches and the quiet wisdom of our horses.

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What we offer

The Orchard Reins & Roots Journey (Ages 8–16)

Our bespoke equine-assisted personal development programme for learners aged 8–16.

Reins & Roots runs 1–3 days per week (10am–4pm) and offers fully structured, hands-on sessions tailored to each learner’s pace and needs. Activities include equine care, groundwork, optional riding and nature-based tasks.

Sessions are delivered outdoors with access to stables, classroom and covered learning areas. Every learner wears appropriate PPE and follows safe-working routines within our working equestrian environment.

Each placement is personalised so every young person feels safe, supported and able to progress independently.

The programme can run as a 12-week intervention or a 12-month personalised journey, and from age 12 learners may progress into the Level 1 Horse Care Diploma.

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The Orchard Accredited Vocational Training

We offer a clear progression from early intervention to recognised equine qualifications:

Ages 13–16

Level 1 Horse Care Diploma – an introduction to horse care, stable routines and practical skills.

Post-16

Young people aged 16+ can continue into:

Level 1 & 2 Horse Care Diplomas

Level 3 Horse Care & Management Diploma

Coaching preparation (from Level 3)

These qualifications support progression into employment, apprenticeships, and higher education within equine and land-based industries.

All learning develops core skills in Horse Care, Handling, Management and optional Riding.

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Who we support

Supporting learners aged 8–16 and Post-16 with diverse needs.

The Orchard Equine College supports young people who may find mainstream education overwhelming, inaccessible or unsuitable. Our calm, structured and outdoor-based environment is designed for learners who benefit from hands-on experiences, predictable routines and nurturing relationships.

We work with learners aged 8–16 and Post-16, including those with:

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  • SEMH

    We specialise in supporting learners who need help with emotional regulation, confidence, resilience, and building positive relationships. Our trauma-informed approach and consistent routines help young people feel safe and understood.

  • Neurodiversity

    Including Autism, ADHD, PDA profiles, sensory processing differences and communication needs.

    Learners benefit from:

    - Predictable structure

    - Clear communication

    - Low-demand, relational approaches

    - Sensory calming environments

    - Staff who understand neurodivergent presentation

  • Anxiety & Communication Differences

    We support learners who may struggle verbally, feel overwhelmed in large groups, or need extra time to settle. Working with horses provides a calming, non-judgmental space where learners can develop social confidence at their own pace.

  • Learners Who Thrive in Practical, Outdoor Environments

    Many young people feel most confident when learning through:

    - Movement

    - Nature

    - Real tasks

    - Hands-on experiences

    Our rural setting, stables, arenas and land-based spaces create a calm, grounding environment ideal for these learners.

  • Learners with School-Based Trauma

    Including those with:

    - Previous exclusions

    - Low attendance

    - School refusal

    - Anxiety linked to traditional classrooms

    Our outdoor-based learning approach and therapeutic equine environment help rebuild trust, routine and positive learning experiences.

  • Primary to Post-16 Learners

    Primary to Post-16 Learners

    We welcome learners from:

    - Primary age (8+)

    - KS3–KS4

    - Post-16

How we support our learners

Safe, structured, relational and equine-assisted support for ages 8–16 and Post-16.

At The Orchard Equine College, every learner is supported through a trauma-informed, relationship-based and individualised approach. Our calm environment, experienced staff team and equine-led learning methods create a space where young people feel safe, valued and able to grow at their own pace.

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  • Trauma-Informed & Attachment-Aware Approach

    We understand that many of our learners have experienced:

    - School-based trauma

    - Anxiety

    - Difficulties with trust or relationships

    - Challenges around routine and expectations

    Our team works in a way that prioritises:

    - Consistent adults

    -Predictable routines

    -Low-demand communication

    -Empathy and attunement

    -Calm, regulated responses

    This foundation allows learners to feel secure enough to engage and progress.

  • Experienced, Nurturing Staff

    Our staff are trained and experienced in:

    - SEMH needs

    - ADHD & neurodivergent profiles

    - Emotional regulation support

    - Mental health awareness

    - De-escalation & relational communication

    - Equine behaviour & safe handling

    Learners are supported by familiar adults who build strong rapport, model emotional safety, and celebrate every small success.

  • Personalised, Needs-Led Programmes

    No two learners are the same.
    We shape every programme around:

    - The learner’s emotional needs

    - Communication style

    - Sensory profile

    - Pace of learning

    - Interests & strengths

    - EHCP outcomes (where applicable)

    Learners progress when they are ready, not to a fixed timetable.

  • Predictable Routines & Clear Boundaries

    The Orchard environment is intentionally structured to reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
    Learners benefit from:

    - Calm, consistent daily structure

    - Clear expectations

    - Safe boundaries around horses

    - Repeated routines that build independence

    - Simple, visual or verbal instructions matched to their needs

    This structure helps rebuild trust in learning and increases emotional stability.

  • Hands-On, Outdoor, Meaningful Learning

    Many young people thrive when they can move, touch, experience and do.
    We use:

    - Horse care

    - Yard routines

    - Land-based tasks

    - Nature-based learning

    - Groundwork

    - Optional riding

    To create opportunities that support:

    - Emotional regulation

    - Focus and engagement

    - Practical skill development

    - Real-world problem solving

    - Self-belief

  • Equine-Assisted Emotional Support

    Horses offer calm, connection, honest feedback and a non-judgemental presence.
    Through working alongside them, learners understand:

    - Body language

    - Energy and emotion

    - Boundaries and trust

    - Responsibility and care

    - Empathy

    - Teamwork

    This is the heart of how The Orchard helps learners grow.

  • Supporting Preparation for Adulthood

    As learners become more confident, we build skills for:

    - Independence

    - Communication

    - Self-management

    - Employability

    - Routine and commitment

    - Leadership (especially as learners progress through our 5-stage model)

    This sets young people up for successful next steps into further education, apprenticeships, work or specialist provision.

  • A Safe Environment

    Across all programmes we prioritise:

    - Safeguarding

    - Physical safety

    - Emotional wellbeing

    - Appropriate PPE

    - High staff-to-learner ratios

    - Safe horse-handling

    - Clear risk assessment and protocols

Ready to make a referral?

If you’re a school, local authority, parent or carer and would like to explore a placement at The Orchard Equine College, we’re here to help.
Our referral process is simple, supportive and designed around the needs of each young person.

Click below to see our full referral pathway, forms and next steps.

Click Here
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Join us for a Meet & Discover Day

Our Meet and Discover Day offers prospective learners the chance to experience life at The Orchard Equine College in a welcoming and hands-on environment. During this session, visitors can meet our staff team, explore the facilities, and learn more about our equine and vocational programmes.

Participants will have the opportunity to discover what a typical day looks like, take part in practical yard activities, and gain insight into the support, training, and progression pathways we provide.

Whether you're considering joining us or simply exploring your options, our Meet and Discover Day is the perfect way to understand what we offer and how we help young people grow, achieve, and succeed.

Click below to see our meet & discover dates, forms and next steps.

Click Here
Close-up of a black horse wearing a gray halter outdoors with a blurred background of trees.