The Edith Borthwick School
Community special school in Braintree (Essex).
Location
iSchool location from Get Information about Schools. Nearby schools are coloured by phase. Open Map+ for a full-screen map with neighbourhood deprivation (England only).About
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the Headteacher of The Edith Borthwick School, leading a school community that is dedicated to supporting and celebrating children in a thoughtful, compassionate, and child-centred way.
Throughout my career in specialist education, I have witnessed the incredible achievements that can be realised when we take the time to truly understand each child as an individual — recognising their unique strengths, needs, and perspectives.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to kindness, high expectations, and the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to grow at their own pace. Our school is committed to providing a rich, evolving, and purposeful curriculum, which prioritises learning and achievement whilst placing wellbeing at its core.
We understand that all our learners have the development of social communication as a core need, alongside requiring adaptations to engage with learning and foster increasing independence. The promotion of these skills is therefore central to everything that we do.
In the school’s own words, from the school website.
Awards
4 awardsiFound on the school website by WhatSchool. Not verified by Governance Register; the school website is the authority.- Anti-Bullying CharterRecognised award
- Eco SchoolsEnvironment
- Eco Schools Green FlagEnvironment
- Healthy SchoolsHealth and wellbeing
Key facts
- URN
- 115464
- Type
- Community special school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Ages
- 3 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Nursery
- Has Nursery Classes
- Local authority
- Essex
- Constituency
- Braintree
- Setting
- Urban: Nearer to a major town or city
Governing body (7 current, 5 former)
Special schools governing body.
Leadership
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms Stephanie Taylor | Chair of Governors | Nominated by LA and appointed by GB | since 2025 · until 2026 ends 2026 |
Full governing body
| Name | Role | How appointed | Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miss Lizzie Heath | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mr Daniel Gee | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2026 · until 2030 |
| Mrs Sam Lawrence | Governor | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | since 2026 · until 2028 |
| Mr Darrel Cansell | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · until 2029 |
| Miss Natasha Powell | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · until 2028 |
| Mrs Tracy Carr | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2023 · until 2027 ends 2027 |
| Mr Robin Reeve Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2025 · term ended 2026 |
| Mrs Kate Stannard Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · term ended 2026 |
| Mrs Annie Bush Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2024 · term ended 2025 |
| Mrs Maggie Loveday Former | Governor | Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal | since 2022 · term ended 2026 |
| Mrs Moira Rickford Former | Governor | Appointed by GB/board | since 2022 · term ended 2025 |
Source: Department for Education, Get Information about Schools (governance records, as at 25 October 2026). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Names are shown as published; there are no addresses or contact details. Current and former are worked out from term end dates when the page loads. Object or ask for removal · Report an issue with this record