THE SCHOOL : Introduction
The New School which opened in 1992 was founded by Baroness Linklater of Butterstone for the benefit and education of children whose needs are best met within a specialist environment, and is a mixed school providing for Monday to Friday boarding pupils, and for day pupils, with a total capacity for 45 children, aged 12 to 18, all of whom have displayed inability to develop their potential in the traditional mainstream schooling system. The School provides a uniquely supportive environment for children who have difficulties associated with neurological and developmental disorders such as autism, dyspraxia and dysphasia.
We aim to help children to realise their potential by building up confidence and self-esteem, emphasising strengths rather than allowing difficulties to become barriers to learning, and allowing them to be challenged in as normal an environment and community as possible.
Small classes, experienced and knowledgeable staff and a strong sense of purpose have led to an enviable ethos and unique position in the field of Scottish education.
In this small environment, using individualised educational programmes, the School enables children to move on into further education, and ultimately to be part of their community and be able to pursue happy and independent lives. The School provides an oasis of care and support where potential is unlocked and the children have the opportunity to develop educationally, socially and emotionally.
Children are either referred to the School by education authorities who fund them, or, in a minority of cases, they are independently funded.
There is no substitute for a visit to the School where you will see young people at ease with themselves and their surroundings, but we hope that the website gives a flavour of what The New School is all about.