About us
Children and young people who live on our campus enjoy a safe and participative community which has proven life-enriching benefits for the pupil, their family, and the broader community.
Our pupils also benefit from the input of dedicated youth volunteers who join us on an annual basis. We offer a holistic approach that balances the individual’s needs with legislation, government policies, and adherence to Curriculum for Excellence.
The Education and Residential Care Team at Ochil Tower School includes experienced GTCS-registered teachers, SSSC-registered care staff and experienced support staff.
We welcome referrals from local authorities across Scotland and work in close partnership with them and parents and caregivers throughout the referral process. This process allows us to fully understand the complex additional support needs of the children and young people for whom Ochil Tower is seen as a positive opportunity.
Our vision, mission, and values
At Ochil Tower School, our values are at the heart of everything we do. We integrate them into our work to achieve our vision in a meaningful, sustainable and measurable way.
Our vision
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.
Our mission
To provide person-led education and residential care to children and young people with complex additional support needs.
Our experienced staff and volunteers provide compassionate support to young people whose needs simply cannot be met in a mainstream setting. Living on our picturesque seven-acre campus, our pupils benefit from the stability and consistency offered by a 52-week provision and an entirely bespoke approach to the national curriculum.
We have created a nurturing environment where children and young people with complex additional support needs are supported in their personal and educational development. Our on-site Life Skills service allows our team to work with our over-18s to help prepare them for adulthood. Our experience and knowledge ensure we can successfully support inherent challenges and that pupils thrive under our care.
Our values
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 story
Throughout its history, Ochil Tower School has continually evolved, growing and transforming over time.
Our approach
Our approach to care and education continually develops as we deepen our understanding of trauma and its impact. As we continue to learn about trauma-informed practice, we refine how we support and nurture the young people in our care. We strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where children feel supported, valued, and ready to learn. Consistency, strong relationships, and a compassionate approach are at the core of our work.
Our curriculum
We are committed to cultivating a warm, supportive, and inspiring learning atmosphere. Rather than a standardised approach, our method is person-centred, tailored and holistic. As a 24-hour learning environment, we embrace the outdoors as an integral part of the care and education of children with complex additional support needs, fostering growth through hands-on experiences in nature.
Collaboration between our dedicated and experienced education and care teams provides high-quality teaching and learning experiences that nurture the strengths and interests of our children and young people.
Our curriculum follows the principles of Curriculum for Excellence, serving as the foundation for all learning experiences and activities. Learning extends beyond the classroom, taking place across the estate and within the wider community, and is delivered in a multi-sensory, personalised way to meet the unique needs of each child and young person.
Children’s rights
Ochil Tower School is dedicated to championing the rights of the children and young people in our care, always placing their needs and voices at the centre of everything we do. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for parents and carers, encouraging their involvement in their children’s care and education.
We are committed to Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) by providing the right support at the right time, ensuring every child and young person can reach their full potential.
Transitions
At Ochil Tower School, we carefully plan and support the children and young people’s transitions, both when joining and leaving our school. Each transition is tailored to the individual, ensuring they feel safe, valued, and well-prepared for the next stage of their journey. We work closely with families and professionals to create a seamless and positive experience that prioritises the well-being and future success of every child and young person.
Important information
We’ve gathered together important information, reports, and resources that we hope you’ll find helpful.
If you have a question that hasn’t been answered here, please view our FAQ page or get in touch.
Care Inspectorate reports
Education Scotland inspection reports
Other documents
Term dates
For all term start dates please arrive after 6pm, or on the following day by 8.55am.
School year 2024-2025
School year 2025-2026
38 week educational programme
Michaelmas term (8 weeks)
Sunday 11 August – Friday 4 October
Christmas term (9 Weeks)
Sunday 20 October – Friday 20 December
Advent garden : Friday 29 November 2024 – all welcome
Easter term (12 weeks)
Wednesday 8 January – Friday 4 April
Half term: Depart Thursday 13 February 3.45pm, return Monday 17 February after 6pm or Tuesday 18 February by 8.55am
Summer term (9 weeks)
Sunday 27 April – Friday 27 June
School year 2025-2026
38 week educational programme
Michaelmas term (8 weeks)
Sunday 10 August – Friday 3 October
Christmas term (9 weeks)
Sunday 19 October – Friday 19 December
Advent garden : Friday 28 November 2025 – all welcome
Easter term (12 weeks)
Wednesday 7 January – Friday 3 April
Half term: Depart Thursday 12 February 3.45pm, return Monday 16 February after 6pm or Tuesday 17 February by 8.55am
Summer term (9 weeks)
Sunday 27 April – Friday 27 June
Celebrations & festivals
Ochil Tower School is a non-denominational school, but we pride ourselves on including celebrations and festivals from a wide range of faiths and belief systems in our calendar.
Some of the festivals and events we celebrate at Ochil Tower School include:
- Candlemass (February)
- Valentine’s Day (February)
- Shrove Tuesday and the Pancake Race (February or March, depending on Easter)
- Carnival (February or March, depending on Easter)
- Red Nose Day (March, every other year)
- Fairtrade Fortnight Celebrations (Late February – early March)
- Easter Sunday (March or April)
- St John’s Day (June)
- Autumn Harvest (September – October)
- Michaelmas Day (September)
- Halloween (October)
- Guy Fawkes Night (November)
- St Martin’s Day (November)
- Advent Garden (December)
- Santa Lucia Day (December)
- Christmas (December)
- New Year’s Eve (December)
Life Skills Centre
Preparing for Independence
Our Life Skills Centre is a customised space designed to offer opportunities to support independent living.
Here, students engage in hands-on learning, from baking, gardening, and laundry management to mastering new skills like felting, weaving, and woodwork. Every experience fosters confidence and self-sufficiency.
Children and young people work alongside our staff to gain practical experience in a safe and productive environment, ensuring they develop diverse skills for the future.
The Camphill Community
The Camphill Community is a worldwide movement dedicated to supporting people with complex additional support needs through inclusive, community-based living and working environments.
Initially founded in 1939 by Dr. Karl König in Scotland, Camphill communities foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and mutual support. Those living and working in one of over 100 Camphill communities worldwide do so in harmony with the natural world and develop valuable life skills.
Our practice is guided by the principles of the Camphill movement, which are at the heart of our vision, values, and mission.
