Camphill Community Glencraig, located in Holywood, has marked a major milestone with the official opening of its new Garden Rooms, alongside a special graduation ceremony celebrating the achievements of its pupils in 2025/26.
The event, held at Camphill School Glencraig, brought together pupils, families, staff, local representatives, school leaders, and partners to recognise the progress, creativity, and resilience of young people with complex special educational needs.
The five new bespoke Garden Rooms have been developed as inclusive learning spaces, offering pupils greater opportunities to connect with nature to support wellbeing, and take part in outdoor learning as part of the school’s distinctive therapeutic and holistic approach.
The new facilities have been made possible through the organisation’s fundraising, and charitable donations, and they represent a significant independent investment in specialist education for children and young people whose needs require an environment beyond mainstream provision.
Camphill Community Glencraig
Newly appointed Chief Executive of Camphill Community Glencraig, Gillian Somerville, said, “It is a privilege to join this special community at such an important moment for the school, our pupils, and their families. The Garden Rooms are more than simply a new facility; the investment reflects our commitment to creating environments where children and young people with complex needs can learn, grow, and thrive.
“Today’s graduation is a wonderful reminder of what is possible when pupils are supported by compassionate, skilled staff in an environment that provides tailored people-centred care and encourages learning. Camphill School Glencraig provides an invaluable service, not only to the children and families we support, but to the wider community across Northern Ireland. As an independent charity, we can focus on the distinct needs of every individual we care for and provide the ingredients that help them to thrive and live an enriched life.”
Camphill School Glencraig is part of the wider Camphill Community – a network of more than 50 communities across the UK and Ireland offering sector leading education and holistic care in an intentional community for pupils with complex needs. The Camphill approach combines individualised learning with therapeutic practice, personal development and life skill and is rooted in supporting each young person to build confidence, independence, and the foundations needed to reach their full potential.
Camphill Community Glencraig has been pioneering this person-centred approach for over 70 years. Its setting reflects a microcosm of society with a farm and gardens, and a college, and a school, empowering community members to thrive by experiencing all the facets of a meaningful life, in an environment that promotes individuality.
Donna Jennings, a parent of a pupil at Camphill School Glencraig, said, “For our family, Camphill School Glencraig has been lifechanging. Having a child with complex needs means you need more than a school place; you need people who understand, listen, and see the potential in your child. The staff here have given our child confidence and stability which has allowed our family to share in opportunities we once worried might not be possible. The new Garden Rooms will add so much more to that experience, giving pupils a safe and inspiring space to learn, explore, and feel valued.”
