We believe a school should be a safe space for learning, not a source of demand and anxiety. Many of our learners have struggled to access mainstream education—and for many of us, that was our experience, too.
At Pledge2Learn, we work hard every day to replace the pressure of education, reduce demands, and create a balanced, low-arousal nurture environment that prioritises the young person. We empower our learners to achieve more by doing things differently. Here, progress isn’t measured just in grades (though they remain a key focus), but in the confidence, social skills, and ambitions a young person gains during their time with us.
Pledge2Learn is a North Lincolnshire-based, DfE-registered independent special school. We provide a calm "fresh start" for students aged 11–16 with SEMH needs and Autism, helping those who have struggled in mainstream settings rediscover their confidence and love for learning.
Why Choose Pledge2Learn?
We believe education should feel like a community, not an institution. By focusing on the whole person, we ensure our students don't just pass exams—they thrive.
Nurture Focussed
With a 30-pupil capacity, we are intentionally small. No one gets lost in the crowd, and our high staff-to-student ratio ensures that every child is seen and supported.
Balance of Life & Learning
We bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. Our students work toward GCSE and NCFE qualifications while mastering vital life skills like budgeting, cooking and independent travel.
Ofsted Rated 'Good'
In January 2025, Ofsted rated us 'Good' in all areas, highlighting that "pupils learn how to treat others with respect because staff model this well."
Our culture is built on four pillars that guide every interaction in our school:
Gratitude: The quality of being thankful
Respect: Having regard for the feelings, wishes, or rights of others and yourself.
Integrity: Doing what is right even when no one else is watching.
Teamwork: Working together to achieve our goals.
Our Approach: Nurture First
A student cannot learn if they do not feel safe. We use a therapeutic, nurture-based model to de-escalate anxiety and build lasting resilience. By prioritising emotional well-being, we help each student to feel safe, which in turn builds confidence.
Feeling
Safe
Becoming Confident
Finding
Success
School should be a place to thrive, not just a place to survive.
We’ve created a calm, safe space where the pressure is lifted, allowing our students to breathe, learn, and be themselves. We don’t expect any child to fit a mold; instead, we shape our school to fit them.
Pledge2Learn is led by a dedicated team of specialists committed to SEND excellence:
Holly Dickinson, BA (Hons), QTS - Head of School, SENCO
Telephone: 01724 454377
Emma Gill, BA (Hons) - Deputy Head of School, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Business Management. Audit & Assurance
Telephone: 01724 454377
Chantel Holland, BA (Hons), QTS - Lead Teacher and Designated Teacher
Curriculum Leadership, Development and Support
Telephone: 01724 454377
Sam Batty, MSc - Associate Head of School
School Evaluation & Improvement; and Personal Development
Telephone: 01724 454377
Kylie Johnson - Bachelors Degree Physical Education, QTS, SENCO
Special Education Needs Coordinator
Telephone: 01724 454377
Pledge2Learn is led by a dedicated team of specialists committed to SEND excellence:
Richard Giles - Chair of the Advisory Board
Board member responsible for: Filtering & Monitoring
Richard.Giles@pledge2learn.co.uk
Alison Smith, BA (Hons), QTS - Vice Chair of the Advisory Board
Board member responsible for: Curriculum, including SEND adaptation.
Alison.Smith@pledge2learn.co.uk
Board member responsible for: Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Ellen.Chant@pledge2learn.co.uk
Ian Johns, BA
Board member responsible for: SEND - Resilience
Pledge2Learn has a dedicated team of specialists SEND support who embed trauma informed prctice in their day-to-day work
Specialist Education Practitioner
Clinical Psychologist
Children and Family Inclusion Practitioner and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Pastoral and Behaviour Support
Learning Facilitator
Teacher
Teacher and Learning Facilitator
Careers Adviser
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
We welcome visits from parents, carers, schools and Local Authorities. To see our school in action or to discuss an application for a school placement, please contact us:
01724 454377
admin@pledge2learn.co.uk