About Us
Welcome to Rivers Education Support Centre
Every Young Person Deserves the Opportunity to Succeed
At Rivers Education Support Centre, we believe that every young person can achieve success when provided with the right support, guidance and opportunities.
We work with pupils across East Hertfordshire and Broxbourne who may be experiencing challenges in mainstream education. Through a nurturing, supportive and highly structured environment, we help students rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships, and re-engage with learning.
Our focus is on supporting both the academic and emotional development of every learner. We recognise that successful education goes beyond qualifications alone; it is about helping young people develop the skills, resilience and self-belief needed to thrive in school, further education, employment and life.
A Calm, Safe and Ambitious Learning Environment
At Rivers ESC, we provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment where high expectations, mutual respect and positive relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
Our commitment to relationship-based practice helps young people and their families build trust, confidence and a renewed belief in their future. Staff work closely with pupils to identify barriers to learning and provide the support needed to overcome them.
Our positive and solution-focused approach was recognised by Ofsted, who noted in September 2023 that:
"Behaviour in the Centre is exceptional, helped by the calm environment that pervades throughout the school."
Supporting Young People at Every Stage
Little Rivers Primary Provision
Based in Hoddesdon, Little Rivers supports primary-aged pupils who require additional therapeutic and educational support. Working closely with schools and families, our skilled Primary Outreach Team helps pupils overcome challenges and thrive in their education.
Key Stage 3 Provision
Our Hertford Centre provides short-term placements for students in Years 7, 8 and 9. Pupils continue to follow a mainstream curriculum while receiving targeted support to address social, emotional and mental health needs, enabling a successful return to mainstream education wherever possible.
Key Stage 4 Provision
Based in Hoddesdon, our KS4 Centre offers a broad and engaging curriculum, including GCSE, BTEC, City & Guilds and vocational qualifications. Students are encouraged to be ambitious and work towards meaningful career pathways, college placements, apprenticeships and employment opportunities.
Alternative Provision
We also offer a comprehensive range of alternative provision programmes, providing access to vocational learning opportunities, practical skills development and nationally recognised qualifications.
Proud of the Difference We Make
Parents frequently tell us that Rivers ESC has transformed their child's experience of education.
Comments such as"never giving up","going above and beyond", and"you believed in my daughter, now it's her time to shine" reflect the dedication of our staff and the positive impact our work has on young people's lives.
We celebrate achievement, encourage independence and inspire ambition, ensuring every learner leaves Rivers ESC with the confidence to embrace their future.
Visit Us
We warmly welcome parents, carers, schools, professionals and partner organisations to visit our centres and learn more about the opportunities we offer.
Thank you for taking the time to explore our website. We hope it provides a valuable insight into the supportive, aspirational and inclusive community that makes Rivers Education Support Centre such a special place.
Shelley Hughes
Headteacher