About Peak School 

Peak is a special school academy in the north west corner of Derbyshire. We cater for pupils and young adults with a whole range of needs, particularly those with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD), communication difficulties, and those with complex behaviour linked to their associated learning difficulties. We do not cater for pupils who’s primary need is Social, Emotional and Mental Health SEMH). We provide education for pupils aged two to nineteen years of age. We have high staff to pupil ratios due to the specific needs of our pupils. 

The school day is from 9.00am to 3.15pm.

Our contact details are:

Peak School, Buxton Road, Chinley, High Peak, SK23 6ES

Telephone: 01663 750324

Email: info@peakschool.co.uk

We are located in a beautiful, rural environment close to the borders of Cheshire, Stockport and Tameside, and when appropriate and relevant, we make use of the local amenities.

Peak School is co-located with Peak Lodge, a Social Care residential and respite provision for pupils with additional needs, and Alderbrook, an adult care day centre for adults with additional needs. All pupils resident within the Peak Lodge provision attend Peak School and have entered care due to the impact of their behaviour and/or medical needs on their families. In many cases, they have moved to us from other Derbyshire special schools because of placement breakdown or because they have entered the care system.

We work closely with visiting NHS staff from a range of local authorities to ensure that we are meeting the physical, medical and communication needs of our pupils. In addition to this, we employ a full time nurse. We employ our own Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Music Therapist for one day each week who provide bespoke interventions for many of our pupils.

Peak currently provides education for over 90 pupils. Our pupil population has doubled in recent years with the cohort changing to include pupils who are academically more able.

We have our own hydrotherapy pool which is accessed by our pupils who have physical or medical disabilities that prevent them from accessing the public pool at New Mills. All other pupils attend sessions at the New Mills pool. We have a small sensory room, a library, and a food technology room in our post 16 department. Many of our pupils have the opportunity to go horse riding. We have our own minibus and encourage teachers to plan off site learning to enhance the curriculum.

 The Ethos of the School

You will always receive a warm welcome when you visit us at Peak. We pride ourselves on providing a nurturing, caring and positive atmosphere and a safe, well organised and stimulating environment. 

 Our Motto

Our motto is ‘Unique people, individualised approach. In September 2024, after consulting with the school community, we intend to launch a small number of values that will be encouraged and recognised in pupils, staff, parents and the wider school community.