Living, learning, and growing together
We are Ochil Tower School.
Ochil Tower School offers a unique, person-centred approach to caring for and educating children and young people with complex additional support needs.
Based on a picturesque seven-acre campus, we are a non-denominational residential school for children and young people aged 8 to 18. Our 52-week provision provides consistency, stability, and opportunity for learning throughout the year.
Our vision and values
We aspire to be a centre of excellence, providing person-led education and residential care for children and young people with complex additional support needs.
Living together
Building relationships
Learning together
Personal development journey and supporting others with their learning
Growing together
Delivering high standards of care and education.
Our school
Originally built in 1849, Ochil Tower School began life as a family home before becoming a private school in the 1960s.
Since then, thanks to the renovation of derelict buildings and the creation of new ones, the seven-acre school campus has grown to include classrooms, workspaces, accommodation, and outbuildings.
The school’s abundant greenspace allows our pupils to spend time in nature, whilst the design of our accommodation ensures that they feel safe and nurtured in a homely setting that complements the classroom environment.
Set just minutes from Auchterarder’s High Street, the school’s location allows our children and young people to develop skills and independence fostered within the school setting in the wider community.
Our approach
Our approach supports children and young people as they live, learn, and grow on our campus. Teachers, house coordinators, and support staff work collaboratively, ensuring that each pupil receives an entirely individualised care and education offering.
Our practice and approach are becoming increasingly trauma-informed, fostering a safe, nurturing environment that recognises and responds to the impact of trauma on our pupils’ development and well-being.
Person-Centred
Our experience tells us that a flexible, strengths-based approach is the most effective starting point. By following a person-centred approach, we provide a level of education and care that is both nurturing and productive. This allows us to support children and young people as they develop life skills and learn within a clear pathway for progression and success.
Whole School Approach
Pupils and staff learn and grow together in a highly integrated environment, balancing individual needs with being part of a broader campus community. By learning and living together in this way, the children and young people at Ochil Tower School gain the skills they need to become more confident and participate more fully in their home communities.
Social Pedagogy
Social Pedagogy is a holistic and humanistic approach that fosters positive relationships, well-being, and empowerment. We integrate care, education, and creativity in the school’s “life space” to help children and young people reach their full potential. Social pedagogy is rooted in reflective practice and community-building. It emphasises cooperation, resilience, and therapeutic environments, using everyday life as a learning opportunity.
Referrals
Children and young people are referred to Ochil Tower School by their local authority.
This process is carried out in full consultation and collaboration with families and caregivers.
We welcome referrals from Scotland’s 32 local authorities and can discuss individual cases with key staff. We do not accept private referrals from parents or caregivers but are happy to chat about the process in more detail and provide further information about our school.
This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions and a whole host of experiences – these young people have truly changed my life.
Volunteer
