Holdsworth
School
Please note: Holdsworth School is still awaiting registration and is not yet open.
Holdsworth School Open Day – 14th July, 13:00 – 14:30
Located in Burnley, Lancashire, Holdsworth school has excellent regional accessibility and strong links to local services. Opening in Summer Term 2026 on a spacious former private school site, it will provide high-quality, purpose-designed facilities.
Our specialist school will support children and young people aged 5–18 with SEMH needs, neurodivergent profiles, and social communication difficulties, offering up to 70 mixed-gender places.
The environment is calm, structured, and welcoming, with large flexible classrooms featuring built-in sensory and regulation spaces. Facilities include a hall, library, quiet exam rooms, kitchen spaces, and low-stimulus wellbeing areas, all within a fully accessible building.
Outdoor provision includes a MUGA, forest school, sensory and natural spaces, outdoor classrooms, and sports areas to support regulation, engagement, and learning. Teaching is delivered in small classes with high staff-to-pupil ratios, using a therapeutic, trauma-informed approach that supports emotional wellbeing, confidence, and meaningful progress.
Our young people may have a number of diagnoses including ASD, ADHD, FASD, anxiety and/or, communication and interaction, cognition, and learning needs.
Our vision is to provide a learning environment where young people can thrive, feel supported, safe and are then able to leave school happy with relevant experiences and outcomes to enable them to contribute to the wider community.
Passionate about education
We are passionate about what we do and that’s providing a high-quality, aspirational education for children offering individual learning programmes. We take a holistic view of each of our children, offering individual care and a complete range of support that’s constantly evolving with their needs. With a planned opening date of early Spring 2026, our school features:
- Small, carefully matched classes of up to eight pupils, each supported by a dedicated teacher and teaching assistant.
- An intimate, nurturing environment with well-resourced classrooms, as well as multi-purpose and sensory spaces.
- Highly trained staff skilled in trauma-informed practice, integrated communication, and relational approaches.
- A broad and balanced curriculum that prioritises the development of reading, writing, numeracy, and communication skills, ensuring increased access to a rich and varied offer.
Our Approach
Our Polaris schools use the Polaris Education’s COSMIC (Child- Orientated Systemic Mentalisation with Integrated Communication) model, designed to support children with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and other complex needs. We understand the children we support often struggle with connection, communication, and relationships, which can negatively impact their learning and life chances. Our comprehensive approach equips both staff and students with the necessary skills, knowledge, tools and practices to foster connection, communication, and growth within a nurturing and inclusive school environment.
COSMIC is supported by:
• Child Centred Framework Placing the child at the core of all our efforts. By understanding and nurturing each child’s unique inner world, constellation of relationships and psychological development, we help them build a strong sense of self-worth and identity.
• Understanding and Responding to Needs Dedicated to deeply understanding the unique needs, behaviours, and challenges faced by each child.
• Integrated Communication and Emotional Support Inclusive communication with approaches such as Language that Cares, recognising that all behaviour is communication.
• Holistic and Inclusive School Culture A whole-community approach that creates a nurturing and inclusive school culture. Our environment is designed to make every child feel valued, supported, and secure.
• Expert-Led and Trauma Informed Practice Developed by our Head of Therapy, who is grounded in expert-led, trauma-informed practice. Our team of specialists, including psychotherapists, psychologists, and speech and language therapists, provide ongoing training and support to our staff.
Proprietor
Polaris Children’s Services
Chair: Jo August
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Headteacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Caroline Swindells
Holdsworth School,
Park Hill, Padiham Road,
Burnley,
Lancashire, BB12 6TG
Governing Body
Our school has a Governing Body which is chaired by Jo August.
Address for correspondence:
Malvern View
Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road,
Stoke Prior
Bromsgrove, B60 4AD
Part of the Polaris Community
Within the community, we have independent fostering and adoption agencies who have been passionately improving the lives of young people for over 30 years, as well as Leaving Care services, Education and bespoke children’s services contracts. Our nurturing community works collectively to support the very best outcomes for each and every child in our care. We’re ambitious for our children and young people, families and staff, and believe in their futures.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to get in touch with us, please fill in the form below and a member of our team will be in touch.
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Address
Padiham Road,
Burnley
Lancashire
BB12 6TG
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