Willows Rise School

06/01/2026

Willows Rise are hiring!

We’re looking for someone who wants more than a job — someone who wants to make a lasting difference.

As an Alternative Provision Key Worker at Willows Rise, you’ll support young people facing barriers to education, helping them build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures.

👉 Full details and application information:
🔗 www.willowsriseschool.co.uk/workwithus

Teaching life skills at Willows Rise

03/01/2026

We're jumping on the trend bandwagon because this year, we launched something special.
Willows Rise is built on belief, flexibility, and the idea that every young person deserves a place where they can thrive.

From our first young person and first wins, to the challenges that shaped us and the community that grew around us — 2025 laid the foundations. 💚

We’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come in such a short time, and even more excited for what’s ahead.

Here’s to deeper impact, bigger goals, and continuing to do education differently in 2026 🚀

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far.

06/11/2025

🦎 Meet Armando & Bernard! 🦎

We’re so excited to introduce the newest (and perhaps most unusual!) members of the Willows Rise family — Armando and Bernard, our Axolotls!

These fascinating aquatic creatures aren’t just here to look cute — they play an important role in supporting our children and young people.

Caring for animals helps our learners to:
💧 Develop responsibility and empathy through daily care routines.
🌿 Build confidence and trust in a calm, non-judgmental environment.
🌈 Experience moments of calm and connection, which can reduce anxiety and promote emotional regulation.
🧠 Spark curiosity and engagement through hands-on, sensory learning.

Armando and Bernard are already making a splash — our young people love observing their quirky personalities, learning about their incredible ability to regenerate limbs and watching them eat worms!

Welcome to the team, little guys💚

04/11/2025

💚What does progress really look like? 💚

As we start the second half of the Autumn term, we've been reflecting about progress at Willows Rise and what that actually means for our children and young people.

Sometimes, it's the tiny, hard-won moments that mean the world:

🌿A calm breath instead of a shout
🌿Recognising fears or worries
🌿A big brave step into a new space
🌿Trust beginning to replace fear

These moments might seem small - but for our students they're huge! They show courage, trust and a growth that can't always be measured on paper.

We celebrate every step at Willows Rise, no matter how small, because it is deserved - for our young people, this is progress!

24/07/2025

As our first summer term came to a close, we asked our students to add their names to our Willow Tree to remind them that they are a valued part of our collective journey towards growth and success.

Some of our students are successfully transitioning to other provisions and others will be continuing their journey with us in September, but to all of them, thank you for adding your name to our story!

You have left your mark - not just on the tree but on us and each other! ❤️

23/07/2025

We're hiring!
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Alternative Provision Key Worker to join our team. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with young people who require tailored support outside of traditional educational settings. You’ll play a vital role in helping them re-engage with learning, manage their emotions, and make progress both academically and socially.
To apply, please visit

Teaching life skills at Willows Rise

15/07/2025

For the last couple of weeks, two of our amazing students took a bold step into the world of entrepreneurship by launching their very own Lemonade & Cake Stand! 🙌

From planning and building to baking and selling, they worked to build mini businesses from the ground up!

This project didn’t just teach them about money management and teamwork — it also boosted their confidence and creativity in ways that go far beyond the classroom. 🌟

We couldn’t be prouder of their efforts and can’t wait to see what they come up with next! 💛

20/03/2025

🌿Just the start of our Willows Wellness Room 🌿

Creating a space of calm 😊

18/03/2025

We're on Tiktok!

Not only that but Sarah's busy putting together our 'Take What You Need' window. A really useful tool to help our students with self-regulation.

The aim is to help students recognise their emotions and associate them with what they need in that moment. It's designed to offer moments of calm, bursts of inspiration or a handy self-care tip.

It's also a useful communication tool for our staff to understand our students' needs when the words just aren't there 🩵

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZNddDqnq1/

Check out Willows Rise School’s video.

11/03/2025

🌿 Reflect and Reset at Willows Rise 🌿

At Willows Rise School, we believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. That's why we use Reflect and Reset, a supportive approach that helps our students understand their actions, learn from experiences and move forward positively.

This process isn't about punishment. It's about understanding, learning and growing. By helping our students develop self-awareness and emotional resilience, we empower them to make positive changes that last. 💙

https://www.willowsriseschool.co.uk/reflectandreset