Who We Are

A centre of excellence for inspiring successful futures

SESC is a Pupil Referral Unit that provides education and a fresh start to students aged 11-16 years who have been, or at risk of being, permanently excluded from mainstream school. We offer full-time provision, respite, Back on Track and Wednesday Programme to students from Stevenage Secondary Schools and local surrounding areas.

We offer a combination of academic and vocational learning which is bespoke to the needs of the students. We take a therapeutic approach but have high aspirations for every member of our community. Through our ambitious curriculum we address social disadvantages by giving students knowledge and experiences so that they can change their world. Our curriculum is based around our Centres’ values; tolerance, teamwork, kindness, resilience, high aspirations and citizenship.

We offer weekly mentoring which is a whole centre approach and is vital for our students. Our specialist staff meet students for an hour a week. Short, medium and long term plans are discussed. The views and needs of the students are taken into account and weekly targets are set.

Every student has daily ERIC time (everybody reads in centre). This is every student reading at the same time in the centre for 10 minutes daily. Students read either 1-1 or in small groups with staff. This is key for students’ literacy skills.

Our staff are committed to ensuring each student achieves their best outcomes whilst at the centre. We are looking for colleagues who share our vision and values and want to make a difference to the lives of our students, their families and our wider community.

Positive feedback from Ofsted:

  • Regular lessons in English, Mathematics and Science enable pupils to make significant gains in their Literacy, Numeracy and Scientific understanding.
  • Activities are linked well to everyday-life situations to make learning enjoyable, meaningful and relevant
  • Pupils benefit greatly from the good teaching and intensive, one-to-one support provided for them. Individual plans enable staff to monitor how effectively each pupil is doing against the targets set for them

Testimonials

I strongly believe since my son has started the ESC he has completely changed his behaviour and attitude, they have not only supported him but us as a family and I couldn’t ask for better staff they are all fantastic. Thank you.

Parent

Thank you for calling me earlier today to confirm that my son has been offered a place at the Stevenage College to learn plumbing. I have spoken to my son and his mother and we are all in agreement that he would like to accept this place please. I’m not sure if we will get to speak again but just in case we don’t, I just wanted to thank you and all of the staff at the ESC for all of your help with with my son’s education. To be honest, I wish he’d come to the ESC several years ago but I think when he eventually did, this was the best thing that could have happened for him. So please pass on my thanks to your colleagues. It really is much appreciated.

Parent of a Year 11 Student

A massive ty to you all. My son and I are reg in contact with your staff and his learning coach. He did some princes trust, cooking, reading and set up an online video message Yahtzee game yesterday with his nan. Your compassion for students is amazing.

Parent of a Year 10 Student

Lovely to meet you today when you were taking time to deliver the bags that had been made. These certainly help the staff when carrying their property around and some of our residents like them to keep their belongings in so I can assure you that they will be well received. We thank you for thinking of us and appreciate your generosity.

Monread Lodge Nursing and Residential Home, Knebworth