A Culture of Courage: How Inclusive PE is Transforming Lives
At Orchard Manor School, a residential special school in Devon, every child is seen for who they are – and supported to become everything they can be. The school caters for pupils aged 3–19 with a range of complex needs, including autism, learning difficulties, and communication challenges. Many students arrive having struggled in previous settings or faced significant trauma or disruption in their early education.
But at Orchard Manor, they’re not defined by their barriers. Through a carefully tailored curriculum, therapeutic support, and a commitment to high expectations for all, staff help students develop confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.
Nowhere is that inclusive ethos more powerfully demonstrated than in physical education.
Earlier this term, the Youth Sport Trust visited Orchard Manor as part of National School Sports Week 2025. As one of our Lead Inclusion Schools, they are pioneering a powerful approach to inclusive PE that gives every pupil the opportunity to grow – physically, socially, and emotionally.
From nurture classrooms to competitive cricket, the message was clear:
when PE is designed for every young person, it becomes a catalyst for confidence, wellbeing, and lifelong possibility.
“It’s not just PE – it’s belonging”
Headteacher Nicola Jones spoke passionately about how physical activity is woven into every aspect of life at Orchard Manor.
“It’s about so much more than sport,” she said. “We use physical activity to build trust, to create joy, and to help our young people feel safe taking risks. For many of our students, just stepping into a sports hall or being part of a group can feel overwhelming. But when PE is delivered with empathy and understanding, it becomes a vehicle for transformation.”
Nicola credits Catherine Kilburn, Orchard Manor’s Head of PE, for developing a curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all learners – from those with complex sensory needs to pupils building stamina and resilience.
Empowering students, inspiring staff
Leanne Stone, a Year 8 TA who helps run the school’s FABBS Community Sports Club, has worked at Orchard Manor for nine years. She described the infectious positivity and encouragement that flows through PE at the school:
“The PE team are just wonderful – they get everyone involved. There are pupils who used to refuse to take part, who now jump at the chance to lead activities. It’s all about small steps, being included, and doing what you feel comfortable with. That builds confidence like nothing else.”
Christina Beard, a TA in Year 11, echoed this sentiment. A former mainstream educator, she spoke about how Orchard Manor has shifted her view of what PE can be.
“It’s not a separate subject here – it’s integral to everything we do. Students are given the tools and space to grow, and they inspire us to push our own limits too. I’ve done things here I never imagined – caving, sailing – and it’s all non-threatening because it’s built on trust. That’s the difference.”
Nurturing confidence through movement
In the nurture provision, Year 10 teacher Hayley Dainty and Year 9 teacher Lisa Sharot support students who need a quieter, more personalised learning environment. Physical activity plays a vital role in helping these students thrive.
“PE boosts their self-esteem because it’s designed so they can succeed,” said Hayley. “Every skill is broken into achievable steps, so they come out buzzing with pride.”
Lisa shared the journey of one student who arrived with high anxiety and very low attendance. Through participation in leadership and inclusive sport, he’s now found a clear path:
“He wants to be a PE teacher – and he’s already looking into college courses. He used to struggle even picking up a pencil. Now, he’s leading others and thriving.”
“You just see them come alive”
Outdoor education is also a huge part of the curriculum. Pupils regularly go paddleboarding, running, hiking, and even sailing. These experiences help develop physical stamina and resilience – skills that are vital not just in sport, but in daily life.
“We took part in a 3K run,” Hayley shared. “These were students who wouldn’t have even considered it a year ago. Now they’re proud to tell us when they’ve climbed Snowdon or joined a parkrun with their families.”
Parents, too, are embracing the impact. Several have been inspired to buy bikes or equipment for their children after seeing the confidence they’ve gained at school.
“It’s breaking down the barriers,” said Lisa. “Once parents see what their children are capable of, they want to do more with them outside of school. And the pupils are proud to share what they’ve done.”
Sport for all – and a team to lead it
At the heart of this inclusive, joyful PE programme is Catherine aka Killer, Orchard Manor’s Head of PE. Staff throughout the school were united in their admiration for her leadership, vision, and compassion.
“She just gets it,” said Christina. “She sees what you need, whether you’re a student or a member of staff, and finds a way to make PE work for you.”
“She’s what every PE leader should aspire to be,” added Leanne. “She makes everyone feel they belong.”
A model for inclusion
The approach at Orchard Manor is a shining example of how sport and physical activity, when tailored with care, can change lives.
It’s not about elite performance or rigid curriculums. It’s about making every young person feel they matter and giving them the tools to move forward – in the sports hall, the classroom, and beyond.
We were proud to witness that in action during National School Sports Week – and even prouder to call Orchard Manor School a Youth Sport Trust Lead Inclusion School.
The Lead Inclusion School network are funded by the Department for Education’s Inclusion 2028 initiative which aims to improve the choices and chances for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities in physical education and school sport. Each county in England has a Lead Inclusion School that champions inclusive practice providing advice, guidance and support locally to educational practitioners to improve their confidence in delivery whilst identifying opportunities for young people to participate. If you’d like to find out more about Inclusion 2028 or discover who your Lead Inclusion School is contact the Youth Sport Trust Inclusion Team through: [email protected]