FOR some children a class of 30 in a mainstream school is simply too much to handle.

Youngsters with behavioural problems can be overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of people, the noise and the perceived lack of attention.

Many need individual care, small classes and freedom from the constraints of the average curriculum.

And that’s where the Tregonwell Academy comes in.

Formerly known as the Bicknell School, it is spread over three sites and there are now clearly-defined primary and secondary schools since it became an Academy in April.

Most of the students have struggled to fit into mainstream education and they all seem to be much happier at Tregonwell, even though many of them would probably not admit it.

Parent Marilyn Bramford told how her son, now 14, once ran away from home with a friend at the age of nine at 10pm – he ran straight to school where Brian Hooper, executive head, lived on site at the time.

“I offered them a drink, then rang his mum to come and get them,” said Mr Hooper.

“It’s a place where he feels safe” said Marilyn. “There are not many children who run away from home and go straight to school.”

Some of the students have statements of special educational needs and others attend thanks to their mainstream school purchasing a place at the Academy.

Some are educated there until the age of 16 while others return to mainstream school, some after just months, some after several years.

The Academy’s Nigel Bowes Centre in Ensbury Park educates around 30 primary-aged children.

At the Throop Learning Centre, around 20 children who are phobic or too ill to go to school receive their education.

And there are more than 100 secondary students at the biggest site in Petersfield Road, Boscombe East.

Core subjects such as maths, English, science and ICT are compulsory for all pupils but that’s where the similarity with most other schools ends.

Each child has a personalised timetable which plays to their strengths. Many spend part of the week off-site, some at work placements and others doing activities such as outward-bound courses and climbing.

There is some one-to-one teaching with others taught in small groups.

“We offer a smaller, personalised approach” said Mr Hooper. “Mainstream has not worked for them for a number of reasons – if a school meets the needs of a child it’s irrelevant if it’s a special or mainstream school.”

Parents are keen to sing the praises of the school.

Marilyn added: “My son’s behaviour has improved and improved. He couldn’t cope with 30 children in a classroom. There have been two or three attempts to reintegrate him into mainstream school but this is the right place for him.”

David Groom said: “My nine-year-old son’s behaviour was very challenging and he came here when he was six. “He works so much better here and his behaviour has improved substantially – I’m very happy with the school.”