Details announced on new Sheridan School in Norfolk

Sheridan School, part of Priory Education Services, has appointed a new principal to consolidate its expansion and the implementation of new services in Norfolk.

The specialist school unveiled its new purpose-built facilities in December 2009, based on the site of the former Comfort Inn in Northwold. The school relocated to this new larger facility from its former home in Southburgh.

Sheridan School now provides education and care for both boys and girls, with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties and associated Iearning difficulties including autistic spectrum disorders. A lack of suitable provision, particularly for girls, of this type of service has been identified in the region.

Andy Clark, who has spent over 25 years working with challenging young people in a variety of settings, is Sheridan School’s new principal. He has experience in residential homes with education facilities, secure units, youth offending teams and local authority specialist education provision. Andy has also established and managed pupil referral units and external provision for students with complex needs as part of a support service for mainstream schools.

When not working Andy is kept busy with his chickens, three dogs and riding his unique custom-built motor cycle, a project which took him three years to complete.

Helen Sharpe, managing director of Priory Education Services said: “The new purpose-built school has allowed us to broaden our intake to offer care and education to children and young people on the autistic spectrum, who are in need of a safe and supportive environment, and also to admit girls and day pupils. These developments have been prompted by discussions with local authorities, which identified a lack of appropriate provision within the area.

“We are pleased to welcome Andy to Sheridan School at a very exciting time as we build on the success of the school in providing high quality care and education to an increasing number of students.”

Andy Clark said: “This is an important school providing much needed specialist education for the region. I am delighted to be joining Priory, which is a company with an excellent reputation in this field.

“I am looking forward to working with the team at Sheridan School, and particularly with the fantastic young people who attend the school.”