A new independent school for the North East
A child-centred independent school, built on a simple idea: happy children learn.
Register your interestPlans for Orbit are moving forward. We're shaping our curriculum, talking with partners across the North East of England and looking for the right building. Like every new independent school, Orbit will open once it's registered with the Department for Education. Register your interest now to be among the first to hear our news.
Orbit starts from a simple question: what would school look like if it were built around the child? Real projects, time to grow as a whole person and strong teaching in what matters: school as it should be.
Happiness isn't a reward for learning. It's where learning begins, so every day at Orbit starts with your child feeling safe, known and valued.
Confidence, friendships and mental health are taught and timetabled, alongside strong reading, writing and maths.
Classes of no more than ten, so every adult knows every child well.
Children investigate questions that matter, make things and share them, from our rivers and coastline to the stars.
You're part of your child's team, with open, regular and honest communication.
Movement and fresh air every day, because they matter for learning and for mood.
Children learn best when learning means something to them. Our curriculum is built around real projects, with reading, writing and maths taught carefully every day, and time set aside for how children feel. It covers everything a broad, balanced primary education should, including science, humanities, the arts, PE and PSHE.
Around six big projects a year, each built around a question worth answering. Science, history, geography, art and design all come together, so learning connects. Each project ends with children sharing what they've made with families and the community.
Short, focused lessons in reading, writing and maths every morning. Children move on when they've truly understood, not because the calendar says so.
A regular, timetabled slot for emotions, friendships, resilience and looking after body and mind. Wellbeing is taught as seriously as maths and English.
We track progress through observation, portfolios of work and regular conversations with you, rather than constant testing.
Some of the projects we're planning
Orbit is being founded by a small team of teachers and parents from the North East, with more than 20 years' combined experience between us.
We've seen how much children can achieve when they feel safe, known and happy. We want to build the school we'd want for our own children: warm, ambitious, and built around the child.
Leave your details and we'll be in touch, keeping you posted on the latest news from Orbit.
We'll only use your details as our privacy notice explains.
We'll be in touch as plans for Orbit develop. If you know another family who might be interested, please share this page with them.
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A school like Orbit is built by a whole community. If you share our belief that happy children learn, we'd love to hear from you.
We want to work with businesses and organisations across the North East of England who support our ethos. That could be charities, community groups, local employers, outdoor and arts organisations, or anyone who cares about children's wellbeing.
Partners might help by:
Or write to hello@theorbitschool.co.uk with "Partnership" in the subject line.
We're not recruiting just yet, but we'd love to hear from people who'd like to be part of Orbit when we are. That includes teachers, teaching assistants, SEND specialists, outdoor learning leaders and support staff.
Tell us a little about yourself and what draws you to Orbit. We'll keep your details on file and be in touch when roles open.
Or write to hello@theorbitschool.co.uk with "Work with us" in the subject line.