The Sullivan Centre provides education for children and young people who cannot attend their usual school because of their medical or mental health needs.
A Venn Academy Trust School – Together we will… Venn is a pioneering academy trust, committed to building educational environments where all pupils are inspired to become lifelong learners who achieve the very highest standards possible. Collaborating with all partners, the Trust works with its unique settings to create world class learning experiences for all.

Personal Development Curriculum

Welcome to The Sullivan Centre, where our commitment to holistic education extends beyond traditional academics.

Central to our approach is the bespoke, personalised Personal Development Curriculum, meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of our students, with a strong foundation in Executive Functioning Skills (EF). Backed by research, we understand the pivotal role EF skills play in fostering learning and overall development.

While not inherent at birth, these skills possess the potential for growth through practice and interaction. Executive functions are the cornerstone of various life skills, including teamwork, leadership, decision-making, goal-setting, critical thinking, adaptability, and emotional awareness—integral for success both within and beyond the classroom.

At The Sullivan Centre, we value the explicit teaching of the EF skills and recognise that these life skills are essential for independence and future success.

Through our curriculum, we aim not only to equip students with academic prowess but also to nurture their ability to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, self-control, and strategic planning. By integrating executive functioning skills into our educational framework, we foster an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, empowering them to make positive choices and become self-directed learners prepared for the complexities of the future.

We focus on the 8 Executive Functioning skills

  • Flexible Thinking
  • Emotional Control
  • Working Memory
  • Impulse Control
  • Task Initiation
  • Planning & Prioritising
  • Self Monitoring
  • Organisation