Brookfields School
Brookfields School is a state-funded special school in Reading, Berkshire, educating approximately 230 pupils aged 2–19 with MLD, SLD, PMLD and associated conditions through a five-strand differentiated curriculum, operating as part of the Ascendancy Partnership Trust.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersReading, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Brookfields School does
Brookfields School is a state-funded special school located in Tilehurst, Reading, Berkshire, providing education for approximately 230 pupils aged 2 to 19 with learning difficulties, including Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD), Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD), Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD) and associated conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, visual and hearing impairment, physical difficulties, multi-sensory impairment and speech, language and communication needs. Founded in 1974 and now part of the Ascendancy Partnership Trust, the school delivers a differentiated curriculum organised into five strands — Exploration (ages 2–7), Enrichment (PMLD), Engagement (SLD), Enquiry (MLD) and Vocational (ages 14–19) — supported by an integrated therapy team including Speech and Language Therapists, on-site hydrotherapy and a MOVE Programme Centre of Excellence (since 2011). It has 46 employees and is rated Ofsted Outstanding (September 2019). The school operates an in-house MOVE Associate Trainer capability delivering training to other settings, and runs a Pathway to Employment programme with named employer partners including IKEA and Royal Berkshire Hospital.
The school's revenue model is dominated by Local Authority high-needs funding, with West Berkshire Council the primary commissioner and supplementary placements from Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils through the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) process. Pupil Premium, Sport Premium and targeted government grants form secondary streams. Parent contributions are limited to school meals (£3.22/day from Year 3), uniform and optional activities; Key Stage 1 meals are universal free. The go-to-market is effectively referral-driven via Local Authority SEND teams rather than commercial marketing, with the school website, termly newsletters, the Brookfields School Association (PTA) charity and parent/carer events serving retention rather than acquisition.
Underlying technology consists of off-the-shelf educational and assessment platforms — notably Earwig for evidence and progress tracking and Read Write Inc Phonics for literacy — alongside proprietary pedagogical frameworks (Exploration Curriculum Strand, CPA mathematics approach, Total Communication Approach). There is no proprietary software product or commercial platform; the school's differentiation sits in its curriculum design, specialist staffing and trust-level governance rather than in technology assets.
Brookfields School firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Brookfields School
- Legal name
- Brookfields School
- Website
- https://brookfieldsschool.org
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Brookfields School is a state-funded special school in Reading, Berkshire, educating approximately 230 pupils aged 2–19 with MLD, SLD, PMLD and associated conditions through a five-strand differentiated curriculum, operating as part of the Ascendancy Partnership Trust.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Brookfields School industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Special Education (SEND)
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (611710), Elementary and Secondary Schools (61111)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Special Needs-Inclusive Early Learning Academies (EDACADAI)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK)
Keywords
Where Brookfields School is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Reading
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Brookfields School business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Government Funding: Brookfields School is a state-funded special school receiving core funding from the Local Authority (West Berkshire Council) based on pupil numbers and needs-weighted funding formulas. Additional funding streams include Pupil Premium, Sport Premium, and government grants for specific programmes.
- Parent Contributions: Optional contributions for school meals (from Year 3 at £3.22 per day), uniform purchases, and specific activities. Universal free meals provided for Key Stage 1 pupils.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | School Meals - Year 3 onwards |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Brookfields School product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Brookfields School is a state-funded special school providing specialist education for pupils aged 2 to 19 with learning difficulties (MLD, SLD, PMLD) and associated conditions including ASD, ADHD, VI, HI, PD, MSI, and SLCN. It offers a differentiated five-strand curriculum (Exploration, Enrichment, Engagement, Enquiry, Vocational), integrated therapies including the MOVE Programme, Speech and Language Therapy, and a Pathway to Employment programme supporting transitions to college and work.
Product overview
Brookfields School is a special educational needs (SEN) school providing education for pupils aged 2 to 19 with learning difficulties including MLD, SLD, PMLD, and ASD. The school offers a differentiated curriculum organized into five distinct strands: Exploration Strand (ages 2-7), Enrichment Strand (for profound/multiple learning difficulties), Engagement Strand (severe learning difficulties), Enquiry Strand (moderate learning difficulties), and Vocational Curriculum (ages 14-19). The school also provides therapeutic services including MOVE Programme, Speech and Language Therapy, and pathways to employment support through its Pathway to Employment programme. Brookfields is part of the Ascendancy Partnership Trust (APT).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Exploration Curriculum Strand Unique in-house Foundation Curriculum designed for pupils aged 2-7, based on active learning principles addressing individual barriers to learning and developing skills needed to engage, communicate, learn and be independent. For pupils with MLD, SLD, PMLD and associated conditions at the school's Nursery and Reception to Year 2 stages.
- Enrichment Curriculum Strand Curriculum strand tailored for pupils with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD), focusing on sensory engagement, communication, and physical development using specialist facilities including the on-site hydrotherapy pool.
- Engagement Curriculum Strand Curriculum strand for pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD), providing structured learning experiences appropriate to their cognitive and developmental needs.
- Enquiry Curriculum Strand Curriculum strand for pupils with moderate learning difficulties (MLD), offering a structured pathway through academic and developmental learning.
- Vocational Curriculum (ages 14-19) Curriculum for pupils aged 14-19 focused on preparation for adulthood, including work experience placements, employer engagement, and interaction with local services for Key Stage 4 and 5 pupils. Includes accreditation opportunities such as GCSE Art, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and vocational qualifications.
- Pathway to Employment Programme Programme supporting SEND pupils and leavers into college courses, supported internships (including Route 2 Recruit), and full-time employment. Includes careers education using Barclays Life Skills resources, Gatsby Benchmarks assessment, and termly moderation with the local Careers Coordinator.
- MOVE Programme Activity-based, goal-directed programme enabling individuals with complex and/or physical needs to gain independent movement. Delivered to Brookfields pupils and offered as training to other schools and settings via the Brookfields-based MOVE Associate Trainer.
- Speech and Language Therapy Specialist Speech and Language Therapy delivered by in-house therapists supporting the Total Communication Approach (signing, oral, auditory, written, visual) for pupils with SLCN and across all curriculum strands.
- School Meals Service Catering service provided to enrolled pupils, free of charge for Key Stage 1 and eligible Free School Meal pupils, and charged at £3.22 per day from Year 3 for non-eligible pupils.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 50% of school leavers go on to access college courses
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Brookfields School
Customer profileNamed customers1 record
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Brookfields School technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Brookfields School partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MOVE EuropecoreMOVE Europe is a UK-based charity linked to the Enham Trust. They train and educate school staff, healthcare staff and support workers in the MOVE Programme. Brookfields started using MOVE in 2007, gained the Quality Mark in 2009, and has been a Centre of Excellence since 2011. Brookfields has a MOVE Associate Trainer who offers training to other schools.
- Ascendancy Partnership Trust (APT)coreBrookfields School is one of the founding schools within the Ascendancy Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust with deep community roots across the Berkshire area composed of SEN schools specializing in learning difficulties. The Trust motto is 'Stronger together' and provides shared governance, resources, and expertise across member schools. Trust policies apply across all schools.
- Reading CollegeminorOne of several local colleges that Brookfields pupils transition to after Year 11. Reading College offers provision for students with high needs.
- Newbury CollegeminorOne of several local colleges that Brookfields pupils transition to after Year 11. Newbury College offers high needs provision.
- BCA CollegeminorOne of several local colleges that Brookfields pupils transition to after Year 11.
- Henley CollegeminorOne of several local colleges that Brookfields pupils transition to after Year 11.
- Basingstoke CollegeminorOne of several local colleges that Brookfields pupils transition to after Year 11. Offers Foundation Learning courses.
- Way 2 WorkminorOrganization providing supported internship programmes that Brookfields works with to help pupils gain employable skills and transition to employment.
- Barclays Life SkillsminorBarclays Life Skills provides lesson plans and resources for careers education, particularly tailored for SEND students. Used in Brookfields careers programme.
- Careers and Enterprise CompanyminorBrookfields works with the Careers and Enterprise Company to measure the impact of their careers programme against Gatsby Benchmarks. Termly assessments include moderation with local Careers Coordinator.
- IKEA, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Make Sense Theatre, Flint House, NESOminorEmployers who have hired Brookfields former students. Several students progressed from part-time to full-time positions at these organizations.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves2 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Brookfields School competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Penrhyn House School: Specialist SEN school in Leatherhead, Surrey for pupils with severe and profound learning difficulties. Comparable age range, EHCP-driven admissions model and emphasis on independence and preparation for adulthood align directly with Brookfields' positioning.
- Manor Mead School: Specialist SEND school in Shepperton, Surrey for pupils with significant learning difficulties including ASD. Similar LA-funded admissions model, similar pupil cohort profile and similar multi-disciplinary therapy integration as Brookfields.
- Notton House School: Residential and day SEN school in Wiltshire for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties and autism. Comparable in its LA-commissioned placements, multi-stranded curriculum and focus on independence and life skills outcomes.
- Sutherland House School: SEN school in Manchester serving pupils with autism and complex learning needs across a similar age range. Directly comparable SEND provision model with EHCP-style admissions and a comparable pupil-to-staff ratio, making it a close functional peer for Brookfields.
- Aurora Meldreth Manor School: Specialist SEN school in Cambridgeshire within the Aurora-Hedgeway trust, serving pupils with complex needs including PMLD. Comparable to Brookfields in its differentiated curriculum, integrated therapies and LA-funded placements.
- Chelfham SEN School: Residential and day SEN school in Somerset for pupils with severe and complex learning difficulties. Operates a comparable multi-stranded curriculum and therapy-led model with LA-commissioned placements, making it a strong comparable for Brookfields' MLD/SLD/PMLD cohort.
Broad incumbents
- Witherslack Group: Major operator of UK specialist schools and children's homes for pupils with SEND including autism, SEMH and complex learning needs. Directly competes for the same LA-commissioned placement budget that funds Brookfields.
- Outcomes First Group: UK's largest operator of specialist SEND schools and residential homes, running dozens of schools serving MLD/SLD/ASD/PMLD cohorts via LA-commissioned placements. Operates at much greater scale but addresses the same SEND pupil demand pool as Brookfields.
- Priory Education Services: Operates a large portfolio of specialist independent SEN schools across the UK serving pupils with MLD, SLD, ASD and SEMH. Competes for the same high-needs top-up funding and EHCP placements that flow to Brookfields.
Others
- National Autistic Society Schools: Charity-run specialist schools for autistic pupils across the UK, serving a sub-segment of Brookfields' SEND cohort. Comparable as an ecosystem participant and potential referral pathway rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Brookfields School social profiles
Digital presenceBrookfields School financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Brookfields School leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Brookfields School funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Brookfields School M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Brookfields School
What does Brookfields School do?
Brookfields School is a state-funded special school providing specialist education for pupils aged 2 to 19 with learning difficulties (MLD, SLD, PMLD) and associated conditions including ASD, ADHD, VI, HI, PD, MSI, and SLCN. It offers a differentiated five-strand curriculum (Exploration, Enrichment, Engagement, Enquiry, Vocational), integrated therapies including the MOVE Programme, Speech and Language Therapy, and a Pathway to Employment programme supporting transitions to college and work.
Is Brookfields School a public or private company?
Brookfields School is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was Brookfields School founded?
Brookfields School was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Brookfields School based?
Brookfields School is headquartered in Reading, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Brookfields School make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Government Funding is the primary driver. The others are parent Contributions.
Who are Brookfields School's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Penrhyn House School, Manor Mead School, Notton House School, Sutherland House School, Aurora Meldreth Manor School and Chelfham SEN School. Broad incumbents are Witherslack Group, Outcomes First Group and Priory Education Services. National Autistic Society Schools is listed as an others.
Does Brookfields School have an API?
No public API is recorded for Brookfields School.
What industry is Brookfields School in?
Brookfields School's product category is Special Education (SEND). Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDACADAI, Special Needs-Inclusive Early Learning Academies, with a secondary code of EDAAABAK, College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways). Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.