Equine Education & Alternative Provision in Doncaster

The Orchard Equine College is a registered and approved alternative education provider delivering 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, structured equine education setting where learners who may not thrive in traditional classrooms build confidence, routine, resilience and real-world skills.

Our approach is hands-on and grounded in the power of horses to support communication, emotional wellbeing, leadership and personal growth.

At the heart of our provision is the Orchard Reins & Roots Journey , our bespoke and fully flexible equine development framework for learners aged 8–16. Delivered as a 12-week intervention or extended into a personalised long-term placement, this pathway provides a structured foundation for growth.

From age 12, learners may progress into accredited programmes including 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 prepared for their next steps.

The Orchard Equine College

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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 delivers structured, hands-on sessions tailored to each learner’s pace and needs.

Activities include:

• Equine care and groundwork
• Optional riding
• Nature-based tasks
• Personal development and responsibility-building

Sessions take place within our working equestrian environment, with access to stables, classroom and covered learning areas. All learners wear appropriate PPE and follow safe-working routines.

Placements may run as a 12-week intervention or extend into a personalised 12 month pathway.

From age 12, learners may progress into the Level 1 Horse Care Diploma.

The Orchard Accredited Vocational Training

We offer a clear and structured progression from early intervention into recognised equine qualifications.

Ages 13–16

• Level 1 Horse Care Diploma , introducing stable routines, horse care and practical skill development.

Post-16

Learners aged 16+ may progress into:

• Level 1 Horse Care Diploma (where required)
• Level 2 Horse Care Diploma
• Level 3 Horse Care & Management Diploma
• Coaching preparation (from Level 3)

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

All programmes develop core competence in horse care, handling, management and (where appropriate) riding.

Learn more about Reins & Roots
Explore Qualification Pathways
Close-up of a black horse wearing a gray halter outdoors with a blurred background of trees.

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 benefits learners who thrive with:

• Hands-on learning
• Predictable routines
• Smaller cohorts
• Relational support
• Practical skill development

We work with learners aged 8–16 and Post-16, including those with additional needs or Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

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

  • 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 provision

Every learner is supported through a trauma-informed, relationship-based and individualised approach.

Our experienced staff team and equine-led methods create an environment where young people feel safe, valued and able to progress at their own pace.

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

  • 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

Funding & Admissions

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.

View Funding & Admissions Information

Start a Referral Enquiry

If you are a school, Local Authority or education professional and would like to explore a placement, we are here to support you.

Parents and carers are welcome to make initial enquiries; however, placements must be accessed through school or Local Authority commissioning routes.

Our referral process is structured, collaborative and centred on the needs of each young person.

Start a Referral enquiry

Join us for a Meet & Discover Day

Our Meet & Discover Day offers prospective learners the opportunity to experience life at The Orchard in a welcoming and practical environment.

Visitors can:

• Meet the staff team
• Explore the facilities
• Experience practical yard activities
• Understand our progression pathways

IIt is an ideal opportunity to explore whether The Orchard is the right next step.

View Meet & Discover Dates

Stay Connected with The Orchard

We share occasional updates with parents and learners including:

• Programme updates
• Meet & Discover dates
• Learner achievements
• Important announcements
• Term dates and key reminders

Our updates are thoughtful, relevant and never overwhelming.

Stay informed and connected with life at The Orchard Equine College.

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