Freedom to Learn a Different Way
A small, progressive independent primary school in the heart of the North East, where every child is known, valued and supported to flourish.
At Liberty School, learning is ambitious, practical and rooted in real life. Through play, enquiry, creativity, community and hands on experiences, children grow in confidence, curiosity and independence.
Together, we learn. Together, we grow. Together, we shine.
The Pillars That Shape Every Child’s Journey
At Liberty School, our 4 pillars guide how children learn, grow and take their place within the world. They shape our curriculum, our school culture and the experiences we create, helping every child become confident, curious, creative and ready for the future.
Explore
Children are encouraged to discover the world around them through play, practical experiences and real life learning. Exploration helps them build confidence, make connections and develop a genuine love of learning.
Enquire
We encourage children to ask questions, investigate ideas and think deeply. Through enquiry, pupils learn how to solve problems, challenge assumptions and become independent thinkers.
Contribute
Every child is encouraged to play an active part in their school and wider community. Contribution builds responsibility, empathy and a strong sense of belonging.
Create
Children are given the freedom to imagine, design and bring ideas to life. Creativity supports self expression, innovation and the confidence to approach challenges in different ways.
Welcome to Liberty School.
I’m Philippa, founder of Liberty School and the successful SEND support organisation, Toucan Education.
Liberty School was born from a belief that education should inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Over the years, I have become increasingly frustrated by an education system that can feel stressful and restrictive for many children. Liberty School offers a different approach—one that values play, real-world experiences, and child-led learning alongside academic ambition.
We believe that every child is unique and deserves an education that nurtures their individual strengths, interests, and potential. Our curriculum is ambitious and carefully tailored to each child, allowing them to learn in the way that works best for them.
Alongside academic learning, we place great importance on wellbeing, nutrition, and developing a strong understanding of the world around us. We encourage children to become confident communicators who can express their ideas, ask questions, think critically, and engage thoughtfully with others. We equip them with practical life skills, including financial awareness, problem-solving, independent thinking, and resilience.
At Liberty School, we do not expect children to fit a particular model of learning. Instead, we work alongside them to discover their own path, guided by skilled and dedicated staff who understand how children learn best.
Our aim is simple: to create a nurturing environment where children feel valued, inspired, and empowered to become confident, capable young people who are ready to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Real-world experiences. Confident futures
Executive Head
Philippa Vince
(B Ed hons, AD dip SEND AD dip Dyslexia AMBDA)
I’m Catherine Thompson, and I feel incredibly privileged to be the Headteacher of Liberty School.
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a parent. Every child is unique, and every family wants to know that their child will be happy, safe and able to flourish. My promise is that every child and every family will be welcomed with kindness, honesty and understanding from the moment they join our community.
At Liberty School, we believe every child deserves to feel that they belong; that’s why relationships sit at the heart of everything we do. We take the time to get to know each child as an individual—their strengths, their interests, what makes them smile and what they find difficult. From there, we build an education around them, helping them to grow in confidence, independence and happiness.
Our curriculum is about so much more than academic learning. We want children to become curious, resilient and confident young people who are ready for life beyond school. Learning might happen in the classroom, in nature, through creative projects, within our local community or by developing practical life skills. Every experience has a purpose, and every achievement is celebrated.
We know that educating a child is a partnership. Families are a vital part of our school community, and we value open communication, trust and working together to achieve the very best outcomes for every child.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore whether Liberty School is the right place for your child or you’ve already joined our community, thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I hope it gives you a flavour of the caring, ambitious and welcoming school we are building together.
I look forward to meeting you and showing you what makes Liberty School such a special place.
Warmest wishes,
Head Teacher
Catherine Thompson
(B.Ed, AMBDA, APC, NPQH)
CHOOSE US
Key Principles:
Holistic Development
We support every aspect of a child’s development, including their academic progress, emotional wellbeing, physical growth, social skills and personal confidence.
Inclusivity
Every child is welcomed, valued and supported to take part fully in school life, with their individual needs and strengths recognised.
Affirming Learning Styles
We recognise that children learn in different ways and adapt teaching so that every pupil can access learning, build confidence and make progress.
Nurturing Environment
We create a safe, calm and supportive environment where children feel known, understood and ready to learn.
Ambition and Confidence
We combine high expectations with the right support, helping children believe in themselves and aim high.
Independence and Motivation
Children are encouraged to make choices, take responsibility and develop the motivation to lead their own learning.
Resilience and Problem Solving
We help children approach challenges with confidence, learn from mistakes and find creative ways forward.
Creativity and Innovation
Children are given the freedom to imagine, experiment and turn their ideas into meaningful outcomes.
Freedom to Learn a Different Way
Our Promise
At Liberty School, we believe that education should be as unique as the children we teach. Our ethos — Freedom to Learn a Different Way — guides everything we do. We are committed to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every learner by providing a rich, inclusive, and empowering educational journey.
At Liberty School, we are proud to offer a different path — one that honours individuality, values creativity, and celebrates every child’s journey.
This is our promise to you and your child.
Our Vision
At Liberty School our curriculum is designed to be holistic, inclusive, and affirming to all learning styles, ensuring that each student, regardless of background, ability, or need, thrives in a nurturing and supportive environment. We are committed to fostering an educational experience that celebrates neurodiversity and provides every child with the opportunity to develop their individual talents and ambitions. Our curriculum is innovative, engaging and ambitious supporting children to lead their own learning while carefully covering a progression of skills- building on prior knowledge each academic term and year.
Our approach emphasises the development of confidence, self-worth, and social responsibility, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with both their learning and their communities. We believe in nurturing children’s ability to think critically and independently, empowering them to become motivated, resilient, and capable of solving complex problems with creativity.
