About us

Welcome to The River Bourne Edge

An Alternative Education Provision in Wiltshire

At The River Bourne Edge, we offer a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for young people who are unable to access mainstream education. Our provision is designed to meet the unique needs of students aged 11–18 through a blend of academic, creative, and therapeutic approaches.

Who We Support

We work with students who may be:

• Struggling to thrive in mainstream settings due to behavioural challenges
• Awaiting placement in a specialist provision
• Experiencing mental health, medical, or special educational needs (SEN) that affect school attendance
• Requiring off-site education to better support their personal development

Our Restorative Approach

Our work is underpinned by the 5 R’s of restorative practice, which guides our ethos and daily interactions:

• Relationships – Building strong, trusting, and meaningful connections with every student is at the heart of what we do
• Respect – We foster a culture of mutual respect between staff, students, and families
• Responsibility – Encouraging personal accountability and reflection on actions and impact
• Repair and Reintegration – Supporting students to resolve conflicts and, where possible, return to mainstream education
• Partnership – Working closely with families, home schools, and local authorities to ensure consistent support

Our Provision

Morning Sessions

Designed for students whose behaviour is currently preventing successful engagement with mainstream education. Sessions are tailored to individual academic levels and focus on Maths, English, and a theme-based curriculum that brings learning to life.

Afternoon Sessions

These are aimed at students with mental health or medical needs that make traditional school attendance difficult. The focus is on emotional literacy, social development, and wellbeing, delivered in a calm and therapeutic environment. An academic curriculum is available in the afternoon sessions if required.

Enrichment and Creative Learning

In both sessions, students can access a variety of creative Workshops and life skills activities—from art and cooking to team-building and problem-solving. Our holistic approach ensures students develop not only academically but personally and socially.

Our Team

All staff are experienced and/or qualified in their areas of expertise. They are fully vetted through enhanced DBS checks and recruited in line with safer recruitment guidelines. Our team is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of young people.