Stockport (Higher Hillgate)
A Specialist Learning Environment Within Healey Learning Centre
Higher Hillgate Learning Centre, located in Stockport, is one of the learning environments that forms part of Healey Learning Centre, a single registered independent special school operating across multiple locations.
The centre provides a structured, supportive and nurturing environment designed to meet the needs of pupils who benefit from smaller group learning, personalised support and strong relational practice.
Although based in Stockport, Higher Hillgate Learning Centre operates within the same whole-school leadership, safeguarding, curriculum and workforce structure as all Healey Learning Centre locations. This ensures consistent standards of education, care and support for every pupil.
Our Environment
Higher Hillgate Learning Centre is designed to provide a calm and predictable learning space where pupils feel safe, supported and ready to engage.
The environment supports:
Small group teaching and personalised learning
Structured routines and clear expectations
Low-stimulus learning areas
Access to quiet and regulation spaces
Strong pastoral support
The physical environment and daily structure are carefully organised to promote emotional safety, engagement and positive learning experiences.
Who the Centre Supports
Higher Hillgate Learning Centre supports pupils who require a specialist and personalised approach to education, including those with social, emotional and mental health needs.
Provision focuses on:
Re-engagement with learning
Emotional regulation and wellbeing
Confidence and resilience development
Preparation for the next stage of education, training or employment
Support is tailored to individual need within a consistent and supportive framework.
Consistent Whole-School Provision
Although each learning centre has its own local environment, all operate within the same whole-school framework.
At Higher Hillgate Learning Centre this includes:
✔ The Healey Learning Centre curriculum
✔ Whole-school safeguarding systems
✔ Shared pastoral and behaviour approaches
✔ Leadership oversight and quality assurance
✔ A trained and supported workforce
✔ The Apex Way ethos
This ensures pupils receive the same high standard of provision across all learning centres.
Leadership and Staffing
Higher Hillgate Learning Centre is led by a Head of Learning Centre who is part of the whole-school leadership structure.
Staff at the centre are members of the Healey Learning Centre workforce and are supported through whole-school training, professional development and safeguarding systems.
Senior leaders maintain regular presence and oversight to ensure consistent standards and effective support for pupils and staff.
The School Day
Higher Hillgate Learning Centre follows the Healey Learning Centre school day structure, providing predictable routines and a balanced programme of learning, pastoral support and personal development.
Further information about the school day can be found here:
Location and Contact
Higher Hillgate Learning Centre
154-1568 Higher Hillgate
Stockport
SK1 3QT
Mr. Joel Hulston
Telephone: 07413 298 601
Email: joel.hulston@apex-specialisteducation.com
For general school enquiries, please visit:
Part of One School Community
Higher Hillgate Learning Centre is one of several learning centres that together form Healey Learning Centre.
Although located in different areas, all learning centres operate as one school community with shared values, shared practice and shared responsibility for pupil outcomes.