--- title: Learning at OTS description: Information about learning at Orange Tree School and the academic ethos of the school. --- [![OTS logo](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png?width=1391&height=797&name=OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png "OTS logo")](https://orangetreeschool.org?hsLang=en) [![OTS logo](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png?width=1391&height=797&name=OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png "OTS logo")](https://orangetreeschool.org?hsLang=en) - [About](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/en-gb/) - [Welcome](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/welcome-message) - [Why OTS?](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/why-ots) - [Vision and ethos](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/vision-and-ethos) - [The Orange Tree approach](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/the-orange-tree-approach) - [Meet our team](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/meet-the-team) - [Inspection reports](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/inspection-reports) - [Policies](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/en-gb/policies) - [Advisory Board](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/governance-and-advisory-board) - [Learning](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/learning) - [Curriculum](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/curriculum-overview) - [Exam Results](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/exam-results-2026) - [Subjects](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/subjects-) - [Inclusion](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/inclusion-ots) - Case Studies - [Student life](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/student-life) - Term dates - [Term dates 2026-2027](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/term-dates-2026-2027) - [Key Dates](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/orange-tree-school-key-dates) - [The School Day](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/the-school-day) - [Attendance and Punctuality](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/attendance-and-punctuality) - [Therapy](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/therapy) - [School Meals](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/school-meals) - [Clubs](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/clubs) - [Admissions](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/admissions-overview) - [Overview](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/admissions-overview) - [Parents](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/admissions-parents) - [Parent Portal](https://orangetreeschool.isamshosting.cloud/auth/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2Fauth%2Fconnect%2Fauthorize%2Fcallback%3Fclient_id%3DiSAMS.Portal.Cloud.Parents%26redirect_uri%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Forangetreeschool.parents.isamshosting.cloud%252Fcallback%26response_type%3Dcode%26scope%3Doffline_access%2520openid%2520iSAMS.CloudPortals.Api%2520iSAMS.Auth.ChangeAccountPassword.Invoke%26state%3D6288a9c4f299441b9ae0b37568787e77%26code_challenge%3DfuBUltrIR0eagPE4KtXBt1EUQxJW5HVFsvRZBXHs9fI%26code_challenge_method%3DS256%26response_mode%3Dquery%26acr_values%3DportalType%253AParents) - [Local authority funding route](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/local-authority-funded-route-parent) - [FAQs](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/admissions-faqs) - [News](https://orangetreeschool.org/blog) - [Newsletters](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/newsletters) - [Blog](https://orangetreeschool.org/blog) - [Events](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/events) - [Feedback](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/feedback) - Ridgeway Site - [Lead Teacher Welcome](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/lead-teacher-ridgeway) - [A Typical day at Ridgeway](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/ridgeway-typical-day) - [Pastoral](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/pastoral-ridgeway) - School Information - Meet the Team - [Admissions](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/-admissions) - [Term Dates](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/term-dates-ridgeway-2026-2027) - [Exam Results](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/exam-results-2026) - [School Magazine](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/book-club-and-magazine) - [Academic programme](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/academic-programme) - Contact Us - [Work with us](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/careers) - [Contact Details](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/contact) # Learning at OTS ## An education for life ![BLAKEEZRA\_ORANGETREE\_0266 (1)-1-1](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/BLAKEEZRA_ORANGETREE_0266%20(1)-1-1.jpeg) ![hero-jobbies-7](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/395201/hero-jobbies-7.svg) # Our educational aims LEARNING AT ORANGE TREE SCHOOL ## An education for life. Academic learning, personal growth and the confidence to take the next step. Every student brings different strengths, interests and experiences. At Orange Tree School, teaching responds to the individual, helping students build knowledge, develop independence and discover what they can achieve. [Explore our curriculum ↗](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/curriculum-overview?hsLang=en)[Discover our subjects ↗](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/subjects-?hsLang=en) ![Image-2](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Misc/Image-2.jpeg?width=515&height=386&name=Image-2.jpeg) Learning together at Orange Tree School [Our aims](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/learning#learning-aims)[Individual support](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/learning#individual-learning)[Our curriculum](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/learning#broad-curriculum)[Beyond the classroom](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/learning#beyond-classroom)[Next steps](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/learning#next-steps) PURPOSEFUL LEARNING ## Knowledge. Confidence. Independence. Our educational aims connect achievement in the classroom with the skills students need throughout their lives. 01 ### Academic progress Access to a broad and balanced curriculum, with support and challenge that help students develop their knowledge and work towards their potential. 02 ### Confidence to participate Opportunities to explore interests, express ideas and develop the confidence to contribute to learning and work with others. 03 ### Growing independence Practical skills, communication and personal development that help students prepare for adult life and their next steps. THE INDIVIDUAL MATTERS ## Teaching that responds to the student. Small classes give teachers and support staff opportunities to understand students’ strengths and learning needs. Activities, resources and pace are adapted to help students engage with learning, address gaps in knowledge and develop their skills. Our approach combines encouragement with appropriate challenge. Assessment and feedback help students recognise progress and understand what to work on next. [Explore inclusion and support →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/inclusion?hsLang=en) ### Support across the learning experience - **Access to learning**Teaching adapted to individual needs and prior knowledge. - **Communication and wellbeing**PSHE and RSE and Social Learning complement academic study. - **Skills for everyday life**Opportunities to apply learning through practical tasks, discussion and collaboration. A BROAD EDUCATION ## More ways to learn. More opportunities to grow. Our curriculum brings together academic study, creativity, practical learning and personal development. Subject pages explain the teaching approach, key stages and pathways in detail. ### Academic understanding English, Maths, Science and Humanities develop knowledge, enquiry, reasoning and critical thinking. [View the curriculum overview →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/curriculum-overview?hsLang=en) ### Creative and practical skills Art, Spanish, Food Technology and KS3 ICT offer different ways to communicate, create and apply learning. [Explore the subject pages →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/subjects-?hsLang=en) ### Personal development PSHE and RSE, Social Learning and the Years 9–10 Physical Activity programme support wellbeing, participation and independence. [Read about Social Learning →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/social-learning?hsLang=en) Provision and qualification pathways vary by key stage and individual needs. The curriculum overview and subject pages describe current provision. FROM THE OFSTED REPORT · 2022 > “Pupils study a range of subjects, including languages, art, music, psychology, philosophy and history. Staff motivate pupils to achieve qualifications, including in GCSEs and A levels. There is a ‘no excuses’ culture that seeks to ensure that every pupil can achieve their potential." \- Ofsted Report 2022 [View inspection reports →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/inspection-reports?hsLang=en) ![Creative painting activity at Orange Tree School](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BLAKEEZRA_ORANGETREE_0240-1.jpg?width=800&height=650&name=BLAKEEZRA_ORANGETREE_0240-1.jpg) Space to explore, create and develop interests LEARNING BEYOND SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE ## Educating mind and body. Learning extends beyond qualifications. Creative projects, reading, scientific investigation, cooking and collaborative activities give students opportunities to explore their interests and connect classroom learning with everyday life. Personal development includes relationships, wellbeing, emotional regulation and increasing independence. Physical Activity promotes participation, teamwork and healthy habits through the published Years 9–10 programme. [Physical Activity →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/physical-activity?hsLang=en)[Clubs and interests →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/clubs?hsLang=en) LOOKING AHEAD ## Preparing for what comes next. Learning at OTS helps students develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to consider their future. Careers education and subject learning connect with opportunities for further education, training and employment. ### Explore future possibilities Discover our approach to careers education and preparing for next steps. [Careers education →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/student-careers?hsLang=en) ### Recognise achievement Read the published examination results, with each school’s results presented separately. [View exam results →](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/en-gb/exam-results-2026?hsLang=en) CONTINUE EXPLORING ## Find out more about learning at OTS. [**Curriculum**Our approach and key stages↗](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/curriculum-overview?hsLang=en)[**Subjects**Explore each learning area↗](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/subjects-?hsLang=en)[**Inclusion**Support for individual needs↗](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/inclusion?hsLang=en)[**Careers**Preparing for next steps↗](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/student-careers?hsLang=en) LET’S TALK ## Learn more about Orange Tree School. Contact our team to discuss the school and the admissions process. [Contact the school ↗](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/contact?hsLang=en) ### “Pupils study a range of subjects, including languages, art, music, psychology, philosophy and history. Staff motivate pupils to achieve qualifications, including in GCSEs and A levels. There is a ‘no excuses’ culture that seeks to ensure that every pupil can achieve their potential." - Ofsted Report 2022 ### Sections - [First Section Here!](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/learning#section1) ### An outstanding learning environment for all At the Orange Tree we create a safe environment where many different types of students and learners can thrive in their academic study. Our Inclusion ensures that the right support is in place to meet our students' needs.  We place a particular emphasis on promoting the skills and qualities that our students will need to navigate the complexities of modern society.  ### Educating mind and body All our pupils participate in a curriculum that develops not only the social, moral, spiritual and cultural dimensions of life, but also the their understanding of the importance of physical activity.  Throughout the year we have days off timetable where the whole school can work together and learn through collaborative projects on subjects such as PRIDE, the life of the Monarchy, and Science Week. ### A rich curriculum Our academic curriculum is more than just about passing exams and getting good grades. Each of the subjects on offer to students help foster a lifelong love of learning, creative approaches to problem solving, and critical thinking. ### Opportunities to learn and grow Students at the Orange Tree are given the chance to dig deeper and develop their own personal interests through their study and enrichment programmes. There are also opportunities to learn about what happens after OTS in terms of careers or higher education.    # Discover More ![front hero-1](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/front%20hero-1.jpeg) ### About Us - ![BLAKEEZRA\_ORANGETREE\_0240-1](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/BLAKEEZRA_ORANGETREE_0240-1.jpg) ### Learning - ![portraits 2 (1)](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/portraits%202%20(1).png) ### Community - ![front hero-1](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/front%20hero-1.jpeg) ### About Us - ![BLAKEEZRA\_ORANGETREE\_0240-1](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/BLAKEEZRA_ORANGETREE_0240-1.jpg) ### Learning - ![portraits 2 (1)](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/portraits%202%20(1).png) ### Community - [![footer\_combined](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/footer_combined.png?width=1012&height=150&name=footer_combined.png "footer_combined")](https://orangetreeschool.org?hsLang=en) [reception@orangetreeschool.org](mailto:reception@ellernmede.org) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576712743736) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/authwall?trk=bf&trkInfo=AQHjj8eyvhmPzwAAAYFi-A9ob0F5WXTRrv08goo8FQbx9S3v-HJHh01Epo5e1trOb11fxDqYxJngg_sEbdkIu5k2Uu1sI4WUfyHlSTdw2g_Ds1mwrYQKL67zYRoM8x79d8h7wbQ=&original_referer=&sessionRedirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2F83112644) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/orangetreeschool?igsh=dWM1YzljM2pscTNy) Follow us on Facebook - Get in Touch - 020 8148 1700 - Orange Tree School, Oakleigh Park North, London, N20 9AR ### Company - Quick Links - [Home](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/en-gb/) - [Admissions](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/admissions-overview) - [News](https://orangetreeschool.org/blog) - [Contact us](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/contact) ### Resources Registered office: Ellern Mede Ridgeway, Holcombe Hill, Mill Hill, London, NW7 4HX, England Ellern Mede Schools Company reg no: 10642453 Orange Tree School | Department for Education: 302/6118 | URN: 135072 | UK PRN: 10017857 © 2023 Ellern Mede School | [T&Cs](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/website-terms-and-conditions?hsLang=en) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/privacy-policy?hsLang=en) | [Cookie Policy](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/cookie-policy?hsLang=en)