About us
Research-led special needs education and care
Since our foundation, thousands of pupils, students and adults have engaged with the education and care offered by Ruskin Mill Trust’s innovative method of Practical Skills Therapeutic Education. We take an integrative and holistic approach, placing the individual pupil, student or adult at the centre. Practical Skills Therapeutic Education draws its principal inspiration from the insights of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris. The method is subject to ongoing research up to doctoral level.
Our Vision
That each individual has the potential to shape their own future through experiencing meaningful relationships with universe, earth and people.
Our Values
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We value inclusive learning and living activities that integrate practical activity, thinking and emotions.
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We value mutual respect and we strive to understand all people’s differences and uniqueness.
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We value the capacity for re-imagination present in all people, towards positive change and development.
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We value openness, goodwill, tolerance and treating people with dignity and respect.
Our Purpose
We provide students with holistic learning by role modelling positive relationships in the fields of arts, crafts, commerce, agriculture, nutrition, living skills and the environment.
By immersing students in the productive aspect of our curriculum, they learn to care for their own wellbeing and development, and overcome their barriers to learning. Students learn to recognise their capabilities and positively contribute to society which is continuously celebrated through cultural events and arts festivals for staff, students and the wider community.
This approach is embedded within a research training culture up to PhD and Master’s degree level, and delivered through our purpose-built training facility, the Field Centre.
A meaningful, land-based curriculum
The Practical Skills Therapeutic Education method directly supports the development of skills and abilities that contribute to students’ capacity for self-transformation. At Ruskin Mill Trust, learners are immersed in a meaningful, nature-based, practical curriculum in a social context. We believe that every individual has the potential to develop self-worth and life skills, cultivating the capacity to orient and direct their own lives. A series of accredited qualification and vocational pathways are available, as well as functional skills sessions and in-house therapy teams.
An integral component of self-development is the ability to contribute, not only to the school or college community, but also to the wider world. To this end, we have invested in on-site social enterprises such as cafés, farm shops and heritage centres. Here our learners are encouraged to develop enhanced social skills whilst working in a safe and supportive culture.
Our educational offer
Ruskin Mill Trust currently operates five colleges, five schools, and two post-education offers.
Our provisions cover a wide area of the UK, with centres in Scotland, Yorkshire, the West Midlands, the South West, Wales and East Sussex.
If you'd like to apply for a placement at any of our provisions, please get in touch with our admissions team here.