Placements at GUST Independent School are arranged through referrals from local authorities or directly from other schools. We are unable to accept direct applications from parents or carers.

Learners can join GUST at different points throughout the academic year, subject to availability and our ability to meet their individual needs.

Before offering a placement, we carefully review the young person's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), where applicable, or other relevant information provided as part of the referral.

This helps us understand their strengths, needs and circumstances, ensuring that GUST is an appropriate setting where they can feel supported and make meaningful progress.

For further information, please refer to our Admissions Policy.

An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document that outlines the additional educational, health and social care support a child or young person may need.

EHCPs are designed for children and young people up to the age of 25 whose special educational needs require support beyond what is ordinarily available through SEN support.

The plan identifies the young person's individual needs, the outcomes they are working towards and the provision required to help them achieve those outcomes.

At GUST, we use each learner's EHCP, where applicable, to help inform our personalised approach to education and support.

For further information, visit the Government's guidance on Education, Health and Care Plans.

Many of our learners may be eligible for home-to-school transport arranged through their local authority.

Eligibility is determined by the local authority and will depend on the young person's individual circumstances, needs and the relevant transport criteria.

If you would like to find out whether your child qualifies for school transport, we recommend contacting your local authority or visiting the Government's school transport guidance.

Yes! Access to nutritious food is an important part of supporting our learners' wellbeing, concentration and readiness to learn.

All learners at GUST are offered breakfast, lunch and fruit throughout the school day, completely free of charge.

If your child would prefer to bring a packed lunch, they are very welcome to do so.

Every learner deserves the opportunity to achieve meaningful qualifications and develop skills that support their future aspirations.

Depending on their individual needs, abilities and curriculum pathway, learners may work towards a range of recognised qualifications, including:

• GCSEs

• Functional Skills qualifications

• ASDAN awards and certificates

• Vocational qualifications and awards

Our curriculum is designed to provide personalised learning opportunities, helping young people build confidence, recognise their strengths and prepare for their next steps in education, training or employment.

For further information, please visit our Curriculum page or read our Curriculum Policy.

No. GUST does not have a traditional school uniform.

We believe that learners are better able to engage in education when they feel comfortable, confident and safe in their learning environment.

Instead, we follow an Appropriate Clothing Policy, which sets out expectations to ensure that clothing is suitable for school activities and supports the safety, comfort and wellbeing of everyone in our school community.

Further information can be found in our Appropriate Clothing Policy.

Small teaching groups are an important part of our personalised approach to education so we aim to maintain class sizes of approximately three-five learners.

Smaller classes allow our staff to build positive relationships, understand individual learning needs and provide more focused guidance and support.

We recognise that every young person learns differently, and our teaching approach is adapted to help learners develop confidence, make progress and achieve their potential.

Although we provide personalised support within our small-group learning environment, we do not currently offer dedicated one-to-one teaching placements.

Yes. Learners may bring a mobile phone to school for use before and after the school day. However, all learners are required to hand in their mobile phones when they arrive at GUST, regardless of their curriculum pathway.

Mobile phones are securely stored during the school day and returned to learners when they leave.

This approach supports our commitment to maintaining a safe, calm and focused learning environment, free from unnecessary digital distractions.

In line with the Department for Education's statutory guidance on mobile phones in schools, learners are not permitted to access or use their personal mobile phones during the school day, unless an individual exception or reasonable adjustment has been agreed.

Searching and Screening on Arrival

As part of our safeguarding and behaviour procedures, learners are subject to searching and screening arrangements on arrival at school.

These procedures help ensure that mobile phones are handed in and that learners do not bring prohibited or unauthorised items into the learning environment.

Any searches or screening are carried out in accordance with the school's policies, relevant legislation and statutory guidance, with appropriate consideration given to each learner's dignity, wellbeing and individual needs.

We understand that these arrangements may feel different from those in other educational settings. However, they are designed to promote safety, consistency and a positive learning environment for everyone.

If parents or carers need to contact their child during the school day, they can do so through the school office on 01670 850 943.

Our school day is structured to provide a consistent and supportive learning experience.

Learner Hours

Staff Availability

If you need to speak to a member of staff, please contact the school office during these hours.

Every young person is unique, and we believe their education should reflect their individual strengths, needs and aspirations.

Our approach is built around positive relationships, personalised learning and a nurturing environment where learners feel safe, understood and valued.

Through small teaching groups, adapted learning opportunities and consistent emotional and pastoral support, we aim to help young people overcome barriers, develop independence and rediscover confidence in their abilities.

We work collaboratively with learners, families, local authorities and relevant professionals to ensure that appropriate support is identified and reviewed as individual needs develop.

Our goal is to help every learner feel a sense of belonging, take pride in their progress and recognise what they are capable of achieving.

For more information about how we support learners with special educational needs and disabilities, please read our SEND Information Report.