About House of Orkney Education
A different kind of learning environment
House of Orkney Education is an independent education provider supporting primary-aged children through Alternative Provision, personalised tuition, Learning Hubs and support for home-educated learners.
We believe children learn best when they feel safe, understood and genuinely capable of succeeding.
For some children, a traditional learning environment doesn't always provide what they need. Anxiety, SEND, gaps in learning or previous experiences of education can affect a child's confidence and ability to engage.
Sometimes, they simply need a different environment, a different pace and a different way in.
At House of Orkney Education, we provide calm, supportive learning environments where children can rebuild confidence, strengthen foundations and experience success.
Why House of Orkney Education was created
House of Orkney Education was founded by experienced primary teacher and school leader Catherine Orkney, following almost two decades working in education.
Throughout her career as a teacher, senior leader and Head of School, Catherine worked with hundreds of children, families and education professionals.
One thing became increasingly clear:
Children do not all thrive in the same environment.
Some need more time. Some need greater flexibility. Some need learning broken into smaller, achievable steps. Others need to rebuild trust and confidence before academic progress can happen.
And sometimes, a child who is struggling in one environment can flourish when the environment around them changes.
House of Orkney Education was created to provide that alternative: a place where education can be personalised, purposeful and responsive to the individual child, while maintaining high expectations for what every learner can achieve.
Leadership & Educational Expertise
House of Orkney Education is led by Catherine Orkney, Founder and Director, an experienced primary education leader with almost two decades of experience across teaching, school leadership, curriculum development and inclusion.
Qualifications and professional development
- BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status
- Master's Degree in Education
- National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH)
- Designated Safeguarding Lead training
- Paediatric First Aid training
- Training in Specific Learning Difficulties including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia
Catherine's professional experience spans the primary age range, with particular expertise in:
- Early Years education
- Early reading and phonics
- SEND and inclusive practice
- Adaptive teaching
- Curriculum and teaching development
- Supporting children experiencing barriers to learning
- School improvement and educational leadership
Catherine has also led professional development, instructional coaching and curriculum development and delivered training for teachers and school leaders.
This experience underpins the standards, ethos and educational approach across House of Orkney Education and its team.
House of Orkney Education today
Today, House of Orkney Education brings together experienced educators and carefully designed learning environments to support children who benefit from a more personalised approach to education.
While the organisation has grown, the principle behind it remains the same:
Children deserve to feel safe, understood and capable of success.
Instagram @houseoforkneyeducation
