‘What makes Orchard truly unique is our seamless journey from birth to age nine. These early years are the most important in a child’s life, when security, confidence and independence are built.’
A welcome from the Headteacher
Welcome to Orchard School and Nursery. Whether you are discovering us for the first time or already part of our community, I hope these pages give you a flavour of the unique education we provide, where every child is known, valued and inspired.
When my mother, Anne Burton, founded Orchard in 1991, she was inspired by the boundless enthusiasm of very young children — their eagerness to explore, their endless “why” questions, and their belief that “I can do it” even after many fruitless attempts. From the very beginning, Orchard was designed to nurture that eagerness, keep curiosity alive and encourage perseverance. Almost 35 years on, that vision continues to shape everything we do.
For me, Orchard has always been a family passion and a way of life, and it is now my privilege to lead as Headteacher. Anne’s legacy is one of nurturing potential, valuing individuality and building strong foundations that last far beyond a child’s time with us. I am committed to honouring that legacy while also looking to the future, blending Orchard’s strong traditions with new ideas that help children thrive in an ever-changing world.
What makes Orchard truly unique is our seamless journey from birth to age nine. These early years are the most important in a child’s life, when security, confidence and independence are built. By offering continuity of care and education from Seedlings right through to Prep 4, we give children the stability they need to flourish, free from the disruption of repeated changes in setting or environment.
At Orchard, children are at the heart of everything we do. We believe every child deserves a champion, someone who knows them, believes in them and helps them to become the very best version of themselves. Here, your child will be seen for who they are, supported where they need help, and stretched where they need challenge. That is the Orchard difference, and it is what makes our community so special.
Parents are our partners in this process, helping us to create an environment that is both caring and ambitious. Our community is strong in its desire to consider others, value friendship and celebrate together.
I hope this website gives you a flavour of life at Orchard, but nothing compares to seeing us in action. Please do come and visit, where you will experience the vibrant, inspiring environment that makes Orchard so special, and where you can be assured of a warm welcome from us all.
