--- title: Welcome Message description: Read the welcome message from the Head of Site at the outstanding Orange Tree School for children with SEMH needs aged 11 to 18. --- [![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) - [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) [![Orange Tree School](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png?width=1391&height=797&name=OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png)](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/?hsLang=en) Menu ![Orange Tree School](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hs-fs/hubfs/OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png?width=1391&height=797&name=OrangeTreeSchool%20logo_large.png) Close × Explore our school - [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) - [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) # Message from the Head Teacher ![hero-jobbies-7](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/395201/hero-jobbies-7.svg) # The Orange Tree is an outstanding school that offers children aged 11 to 19 a specialised and tailored education that combines a rich and broad curriculum with excellent pastoral care As soon as you walk through the doors of the Orange Tree you can feel its warmth and generosity. Our friendly and diverse community is one that is built on the trust – between students and staff, between students and families, and between everyone who works at the school – that the Orange Tree will always put the child at the heart of every action and decision.   The Orange Tree was established with the sole mission of executing the simple, but profound, idea that education should fit the needs of the child and not the other way round. We cater for children aged 11 to 19 who will thrive in a small, therapeutic, and nurturing environment. At the Orange Tree we combine an outstanding academic curriculum with rich pastoral care, driven by the understanding that these are inseparable. Initially growing out of the years of experience at the consistently Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Ellern Mede School, we have developed an approach to education that not only takes seriously student wellbeing but integrates support within school life.   The very environment that the school inhabits is tremendously beneficial to our students. Our North London site is located within a former church with a rich, two-hundred-and-thirty-year history surrounded by quiet residential roads. The combination of this timeless exterior and modern interior, gives a real sense of the school’s character – a safe and secure setting that combines classical yet forward thinking ideas.    I am constantly inspired by the dedication and resilience that our students display. From the little details of finishing an assignment to nurturing their passions and choosing their career path, they never cease to amaze me with what they are able to achieve.  So too, am I extremely proud of the staff that make it all possible. Each an expert in their disciplines and always looking for ways to progress professionally, our staff are constantly encouraging students to push the boundaries of what they thought was possible and explore new opportunities.   I hope that our website will give you a clear insight into what life at the Orange Tree is like and the vibrant community that we are creating. I look forward to hearing from you personally and meeting you at one of our open events where you will be able to discover the school for yourself.  \- Zoe Ramshaw, Head Teacher ## "The Orange Tree was established with the sole mission of executing the simple, but profound, idea that education should fit the needs of the child and not the other way round." ## - Zoe Ramshaw, Headteacher # Discover More ![front hero-1](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/front%20hero-1.jpeg) ### About Us - ![book](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/book.png) ### Learning - ![puzzle](https://www.orangetreeschool.org/hubfs/puzzle.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)