Skip to main content

Foundations for Life

A safe place to learn, grow and belong

An independent school in Bootle for young people with SEMH, ADHD and autism, built around small classes, therapeutic support and a genuinely warm welcome.

How to apply Contact us
The entrance to the Foundations for Life building on Bridle Road, Bootle

Apply for a place

Find out how the EHCP referral route works and what happens next.

How to apply

Talk to us

Speak to our admissions team about your child or the young people you support.

Contact us

Our latest inspection

Read our most recent inspection report in full.

Read the report

Welcome

A school built around every child

Foundations for Life is an independent special school for young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, ADHD and autism. We offer small classes, specialist staff and a curriculum built around each pupil's Education, Health and Care Plan, in a safe and genuinely caring environment.

Our focus is simple. We help every young person feel secure, grow in confidence, and leave us ready for their next step with real skills and real qualifications.

What we stand for

Achieving, Belonging, Caring

Achieving

Aspirational, individual learning for every pupil.

Belonging

A safe, welcoming community where every child is known.

Caring

Specialist SEND and therapeutic support, every day.

Life at our school

A warm, busy place to learn

A cosy reading nook with a bean bag and a well-stocked bookcase
An interactive teaching screen showing a 3D dinosaur skeleton in a bright classroom
A large teaching screen showing an immersive moon landing lesson
The school Foundations for Life virtual reality headset kit
An immersive learning desk with 360 degree video and virtual reality equipment
A quiet reading table with story books and bean bags in the library area

See more in our gallery

Term dates 2026 to 2027

Autumn term 2026Spring term 2027Summer term 2027
Staff training days (INSET)1 to 2 September 20265 January and 24 March 202719 to 20 July 2027
Term starts for pupils3 September 20266 January 20275 April 2027
Half term26 to 30 October 202615 to 19 February 202724 May to 4 June 2027
Term ends18 December 2026, 1:30pm23 March 2027, 1:30pm16 July 2027, 1:30pm

Staff training days (INSET), school closed to pupils: 1 and 2 September 2026, 5 January 2027, 24 March 2027, and 19 and 20 July 2027. On the last day of each term, school closes to pupils at 1:30pm.