Barkestone Site
Welcome from Head of School, Lizzi Donagain.
The Place Independent School – Barkestone (NG13 0HF)
The Barkestone site of The Place Independent School supports older learners aged approximately 14–18 (with flexibility based on individual need and development). It is a calm, nurturing setting designed for young people who have experienced school-based avoidance, anxiety, SEMH needs, trauma, or exclusion—and for whom large or busy settings have not been the right fit.
Located in Barkestone, near the Belvoir Castle Estate, our site is surrounded by open countryside. The quieter pace, space, and predictability of a rural environment can be hugely beneficial for students who find sensory overload and high-pressure environments challenging. Being close to nature helps regulate emotions, lowers anxiety, and supports engagement—especially for learners rebuilding trust in education.
We are home to a range of animals, including alpacas, donkeys, horses, sheep, and ducks. Animals play a meaningful role in our therapeutic approach—supporting emotional regulation, responsibility, confidence, and connection.
Small classes, low arousal, individualised support
We work with very small classes of 3–4 students, using a low-arousal, calm approach. Everyone is on first-name terms, relationships come first, and there is time to truly understand each young person.
Many of our students arrive with a history of poor school experiences, exclusions, or unmet needs. We recognise that one size does not fit all. Rather than expecting young people to fit a system, we flex the system to fit the individual—academically, emotionally, and socially.
Our team has strong therapy input, meaning we deeply understand anxiety, trauma responses, and school-based avoidance. This informs everything we do—from timetables and transitions to communication and expectations.
Curriculum pathways: GCSEs, BTECs & Functional Skills
Students can access a bespoke curriculum tailored to their strengths, interests, and future goals.
GCSE options can include:
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English
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Maths
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Science
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PE
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ICT
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Food Technology
BTEC pathways can include:
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Animal Care
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Vocational Studies
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Food Technology
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Construction
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Art
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Sport
We also offer Functional Skills in English and Maths, ensuring learners can build confidence and achieve success at the right level and pace.
Our current KS4 options booklet is below:
Careers, futures & real-world preparation
We place a strong emphasis on careers education and work experience, aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks. For young people who may have struggled to see a future for themselves, clear, meaningful careers guidance is vital. It helps rebuild hope, motivation, and purpose, and shows how learning connects to real-life opportunities.
Students access:
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Work experience opportunities
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Vocational tasters
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Careers conversations linked to interests and strengths
Our dedicated team member, Alex G, leads on this area full-time. It is so important that children get this input that he ensures he knows each and every child inside out in order to put together a package to help with this.
A calm café culture
Each day begins and ends with care. Students can order breakfast and lunch from our small, quiet on-site café, supporting routine, independence, and social skills in a relaxed environment. Our dedicated cooks (Sally and Maddie) are on hand to cater to any specific requirements.
Enrichment, choice & memorable experiences
We believe learning extends far beyond the classroom. Students take part in two afternoons of enrichment each week, both by choice:
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On-site enrichment: creative and skill-based options such as circus skills, free art time, or practical projects
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Off-site enrichment: experiences like laser quest, cinema visits, museums, and cultural outings
We also run an annual residential trip, giving students the chance to build independence, confidence, and shared memories. Recent trips include London, Barcelona, and Paris, where students explored architecture, culture, and enjoyed time together—including beaches and tapas. Next year we are heading to Poland to understand the deep history there as well as try some skiing.
A genuinely different kind of school
We work successfully with young people who have been excluded or feel the education system hasn’t understood their uniqueness. We are proud to be different—calm, flexible, relational, and responsive.
At The Place Independent School, Barkestone, students are seen, heard, and valued as individuals—and supported to move forward with confidence, skills, and belief in themselves.
