Horizons Academy is a brand-new special school in Mansfield, designed to meet the needs of young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and autism spectrum condition (ASC).

Our ethos is rooted in the belief that every young person deserves an education that is inclusive, engaging, and ambitious. We aim to inspire, raise aspirations, and create brighter tomorrows for every learner.

Our curriculum intent

Our intent is shaped by our golden thread: stability → engagement → growth.

  • Stability: pupils feel safe and supported through calm routines, predictable structures, and strong relationships
  • Engagement: once pupils feel secure, they can connect with their learning, with staff, and with their peers
  • Growth: with stability and engagement in place, pupils are able to progress academically, socially, and personally, preparing for adulthood

Through this, we want every young person to:

  • Access a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum that includes the full national curriculum, alongside PSHE, RE, enrichment, and therapeutic support
  • Build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy through ‘reading builds horizons’ and ‘numbers build horizons’
  • Develop the Horizons’ habits – be respectful, be brave, be resilient, build relationships
  • Leave Horizons Academy with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to live fulfilling adult lives

Our curriculum implementation

We will deliver this intent through:

  • Small class sizes – typically made up of eight pupils, one teacher and two learning support assistants to provide personalised support
  • Evidence-based teaching including Rosenshine’s Principles and our Horizons 12 DNAs of teaching and learning
  • Sequenced and connected learning with retrieval practice and regular opportunities to revisit key knowledge
  • Flexible pathways at key stage 4 and key stage 5, combining GCSEs, functional skills, vocational learning, life skills, and therapeutic provision
  • Daily literacy and numeracy practice as golden threads across all subjects
  • Enrichment and careers education including trips, cultural experiences, and work placements

Our curriculum impact

We measure the impact of our curriculum across the whole child:

  • Academic progress – pupils know more, remember more, and can do more over time
  • Personal growth – improvements in regulation, resilience, confidence, and independence
  • Engagement – better attendance, readiness to learn, and positive relationships
  • Preparation for adulthood – clear next steps into education, training, or employment, with life skills for independence and wellbeing

Why this matters?

The curriculum will provide:

  • A safe and stable foundation
  • Opportunities to re-engage after disrupted education
  • Access to a broad and ambitious range of learning
  • Preparation for adulthood and brighter tomorrows

At Horizons Academy, the curriculum is not only what we teach — it is how we support stability, engagement, and growth in every young person.