A Welcome From Our Headteacher

Welcome to Waterside School

We established Waterside because we believe every learner deserves a school where they feel they belong. Too many learners with additional needs have experienced environments where they have felt misunderstood, overlooked or unable to show what they are truly capable of. Our aim is to provide something different: a school where learners are known as individuals, where their strengths are recognised and where they are supported to grow in confidence, resilience, engagement and independence.

What makes Waterside special is the way we listen. We take time to understand each learner, their interests, aspirations, communication style and what helps them succeed. Those conversations shape everything we do. Rather than expecting learners to fit into a particular way of learning, we build experiences around them. Through meaningful relationships, practical projects, outdoor learning, community experiences and opportunities to explore their interests, we aim to create learning that feels relevant, engaging and purposeful. In doing so, we help learners develop the confidence and resilience to embrace challenges, overcome setbacks and believe in their own potential.

Thank you for taking the time to find out more about Waterside School. Choosing the right school for any learner is an important decision, and we hope this website gives you a sense of who we are and what we stand for. If you are looking for a school that values belonging, listens carefully and is committed to helping every learner find their voice, build resilience and achieve their potential, we hope Waterside might be the right place for your family.

Stuart Henderson Andrews
Headteacher, Waterside School