Hook-a-Gate Education Centre provides specialist education for Key Stage 3 and 4 students across Shropshire. Our centre is located on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.

We support students from all areas who have experienced challenges in mainstream school environments. Hook-a-Gate Education Centre primarily caters for young people with specific learning difficulties, medical conditions, or mental health needs that prevent them from accessing mainstream education.

In addition to small classes led by specialist teachers, we offer a purpose-built, fully accessible environment for students with mobility issues. The centre also provides additional workspaces outside the main classroom, enabling students to work individually when needed. This helps reduce anxiety that can arise in group settings and supports transitions from Outreach or our hospital team.

To help students develop confidence and independence, we have introduced a LEGO® Therapy programme, which teaches trust and empathy as key skills for our ASD learners. Our academic curriculum is further enhanced by a Mindfulness programme, delivered by a visiting specialist, to help students build coping strategies for everyday life and access both education and wider opportunities.

For Key Stage 3 students, our goal is to reintegrate them into full-time placements in mainstream schools or specialist provision. Many of our Key Stage 4 students complete their education with us, achieving significant success at GCSE level. Increasing numbers progress to Sixth Form or Further Education, and some have gone on to attend university.

Outdoor Education is a central part of life at Hook-a-Gate. All students, regardless of need, have opportunities to take part in activities such as orienteering, hillwalking, and climbing. We also have a trained therapy dog, Mackie—a Cavachon Poodle—who attends the centre on Fridays and joins Outdoor Education sessions.

Our Aims

Our key aim is to create a highly effective, responsive, and nurturing environment that meets the needs of students with social, emotional, mental health, and medical challenges by:

• Ensuring student safety through a secure and supportive setting.
• Providing high-quality learning experiences tailored to individual needs.
• Maintaining links with students’ local communities wherever possible.
• Offering professional assessments to inform future placements.
• Supporting reintegration into full-time education at the earliest opportunity.
• Working collaboratively with schools and professional agencies to deliver outstanding education.
• Ensuring students achieve outcomes that prepare them for life beyond 16.

Accessibility Plan 

All Accessibility plans can be found on the SEND page.