Our School

The Holden School operates across two high-quality educational sites in Leigh: Firs Lane and Chapel Street. Working together as one school community, both sites provide safe, nurturing and supportive environments where pupils can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Having provision across two locations allows us to offer specialist learning environments, therapeutic support and tailored educational experiences that meet the diverse needs of our pupils. Regardless of which site pupils attend, they benefit from the same high standards, values and commitment to personalised education that underpin everything we do at The Holden School.

Firs Lane

Firs Lane provides a welcoming and nurturing environment where pupils are supported to develop confidence, independence and a love of learning. The site has been designed to provide a balance of education, pastoral care and therapeutic support, ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to succeed.

Our facilities include:

• Bright and Spacious Classrooms
  Carefully designed learning environments that support engagement, creativity and academic progress.
• Sensory Room
  A dedicated space that provides opportunities for sensory regulation, relaxation and emotional wellbeing.
• Nurture and Reflection Spaces
  Calm and supportive areas where pupils can receive additional pastoral support, regulate emotions and prepare for learning.
• Therapeutic Provision
  Private spaces where pupils can access support from our therapeutic and clinical teams.
• Outdoor Learning and Recreation Areas
  Safe and engaging outdoor spaces that encourage physical activity, social development and outdoor learning opportunities.

One of the unique features of the Firs Lane site is its direct access to the neighbouring park, providing additional opportunities for outdoor education, exploration, wellbeing activities and physical exercise. This valuable outdoor environment supports both learning and personal development while helping pupils develop confidence and independence beyond the classroom.

Chapel Street

Chapel Street provides a modern and stimulating learning environment equipped with specialist facilities that enhance our curriculum and support pupils in developing the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for their future education and careers.

Alongside high-quality classrooms, therapeutic spaces and dedicated pastoral support areas, pupils benefit from access to a range of specialist learning environments, including:

• Science Laboratory
  A dedicated practical learning space where pupils can develop scientific knowledge through experiments, investigations and hands-on learning experiences.
• High Specification eSports Suite
  A purpose-built specialist facility equipped with industry-standard technology, enabling pupils to develop digital skills, teamwork, communication and strategic thinking through our innovative eSports curriculum.
• Food Technology Kitchen
  A fully equipped teaching kitchen where pupils can develop practical cooking skills, learn about nutrition and healthy lifestyles, and build valuable independence skills for adulthood.

Chapel Street combines specialist educational facilities with the nurturing and therapeutic support that is central to The Holden School’s ethos. This allows pupils to access a broad, engaging and aspirational curriculum whilst receiving the personalised support they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

Together, Firs Lane and Chapel Street enable The Holden School to deliver a broad, balanced and highly personalised education. Our specialist facilities, therapeutic support and nurturing approach ensure that every pupil is equipped with the confidence, skills and resilience needed to achieve their full potential and prepare successfully for the future.