Sir Bobby Robson School is a specialist SEMH school for pupils aged 8 – 16 (Years 4 – 11) who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) that identifies Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) as their primary need.
All admissions must come through formal Local Authority consultation. We are not able to accept direct applications from families.
Belong. Believe. Become.
We are unapologetically ambitious for every child. We believe that belonging comes first and that trust is built over time. When pupils feel safe, connected and understood they are able to believe in themselves, regulate, learn and take positive risks. With the right support at the right time, pupils achieve and ultimately become young people with meaningful futures beyond school.
Who We Support
We admit pupils where:
- SEMH is their primary need as identified on their EHCP.
- A small SEMH specialist provision is required and the pupil can access learning in a small group without ongoing 1:1 support.
- The placement can be managed safely within existing resources.
We do not admit pupils where:
- Autism / communication & interaction is the primary need
- Complex medical / personal care needs require on-site medical care
- The level of risk cannot be safely managed within a small specialist environment
- Persistent non-attendance is the primary reason a placement is being sought
All admissions are via Local Authority EHCP consultation.
Admissions and Transition
Consultations are considered by the Headteacher and SENDCo against the legal tests contained in the SEND Code of Practice:
- The school is suitable for the child’s age, ability, aptitude or special educational needs
- The placement is compatible with the efficient education of others
- The placement represents an efficient use of public resources
Where a placement is agreed, a structured transition will take place including a home visit, school visit and a short phased start to support emotional safety and a successful beginning.
Parents/carers are responsible for making SEN transport applications directly to the Local Authority. Applications can be accessed through the Suffolk Local Offer website here: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/send-and-the-local-offer/sen-transport-support
Local Offer Information
School / Provision Name: Sir Bobby Robson School
Number of places and age group: 60 places – Year 4 to Year 11
Primary need catered for (as EHCP primary need): SEMH
Do students need to have average cognition? No. Pupils can be working at a range of levels but should generally be within two chronological years of age-related expectations. SEMH must be the primary need.
Average class size and staffing: Small class sizes (typically up to 8) supported by a teacher and specialist support staff.
Curriculum overview: We offer a broad, balanced and relational curriculum from KS2 – KS4 including GCSE subjects, vocational pathways and targeted SEMH intervention programmes.
Specialist spaces: There are a number of specialist teaching spaces in addition to our 10 classroom bases, including a science lab, food technology room as well as art and DT rooms. Calming and intervention rooms support pupils with co-regulation in moments of distress. These include designated pastoral rooms, sensory rooms as well as a Thrive and Lego Therapy room.
Average places available each year: This varies depending on leavers. This can range between 6 – 8 spaces annually.
How to book a tour: Tours can only be arranged once a formal EHCP consultation has been received and accepted.
Open events are held throughout the year because it is difficult to maintain individual school tours with the amount that are requested individually. We aim to provide times to complete group tours. Please call the school office to register your interest.
Useful Links
Suffolk Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Service (SENDIASS)
Our Facilities
