Oak Bank School celebrates 40 years

The school, which provides education for young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs, opened in 1976 as a residential school for 40 students.

Peter Cohen, executive headteacher, said: “It was fantastic to see so many students and staff who have been part of Oak Bank’s past celebrating together and reminiscing on special times shared in this very special school.”

It has undergone many changes and was rated as Outstanding by Ofsted in July 2015, there are now 99 pupils attending the school.

One of the teachers said: “It is a different approach to other schools, it is important to keep them engaged all the time, they are always learning and the things we try to teach them opens their eyes to the world and things they will need to know when they leave school.

“If it wasn’t for this school, they probably would not be in education, it gives them a second chance and we try to support them as much as possible.”

As well as the national curriculum subjects, the school also offers food technology, hair dressing, a salon and animal care studies.

The school is preparing for its next chapter with the opening of a sixth form in September.

For more information about the school, visit: www.oakbank.beds.sch.uk.