Alternative provision in Dorset

Outdoor learning that rebuilds confidence, behaviour and engagement

If you are seeking alternative provision in Dorset for students who find traditional classroom environments too restrictive, The Max Events Woodland School offers an outcomes-focused, therapeutic outdoor education framework designed to spark engagement and rebuild self-belief.

Our dynamic outdoor learning for disengaged students transforms behaviour, emotional wellbeing, and academic attendance through structured adventure, small-group support, and practical life skills.

Book a site tour Download the prospectus (PDF)
  • 40 acres of woodland
  • 1:3 small-group ratios
  • 48-hour onboarding
  • School day 09:30 to 14:00
Students at The Max Events Woodland School outdoor provision
Off Waddock Drove, Tolpuddle, DT2 7FW

Why choose The Max Events Woodland School?

  • Proven 5-year track record

    Built on a validated, long-standing partnership with local alternative provision providers (including Compass PRU), delivering Ofsted-aligned support and strong attendance outcomes.

  • 40-acre therapeutic environment

    Centrally located off Waddock Drove, Tolpuddle (DT2 7FW), serving all six Dorset Council localities.

  • High-containment ratios

    1:3 baseline small-group ratios, scalable to 1:1 specialist nurture support.

  • 48-hour rapid onboarding

    Fast-track referral pipeline from initial intake to student induction, minimising lost educational hours.

  • All-weather infrastructure

    Fully equipped outdoor woodland areas paired with a climate-controlled indoor classroom, craft workshop, and safari dining tent.

Students taking part in outdoor learning at The Max Events Woodland School in Dorset

Our 3 flexible placement options

We offer three flexible commissioning pathways to meet the diverse needs, budgets, and EHCP requirements of Dorset schools and local authority leads.

Who are you placing? Choose the closest match.

Option 1Suggested fit

Supported Vocational Pathway

Co-delivered

Best for
Cohorts (5 to 16 students) maintaining a strong connection with their mainstream or PRU teaching staff.
The model
Max Events provides the outdoor instructor, site facilities, equipment, and cooked lunches. Your school provides the core teaching staff. Students alternate between classroom Maths/English led by your staff and outdoor vocational skills led by our instructors.

InvestmentFrom £100per student / day

Option 2Suggested fit

Integrated Full-Service AP Pathway

Direct core delivery

Best for
Students requiring a complete, fully managed off-site education package, severe school refusers, or pupils at risk of permanent exclusion.
The model
Max Events directly provides all frontline teachers, outdoor instructors, progress mentors, and pastoral staff. We deliver full core academics (Functional Skills & GCSE Maths and English) paired with outdoor modules, AQA Unit Award accreditations, and Boxall/PASS diagnostic tracking.

Investment£169 to £380per student / day, tiered by cohort size

Option 3Suggested fit

Specialist Targeted Nurture Pathway

1:1 and micro-group

Best for
Pupils in crisis, high trauma, severe anxiety, or EHCP Section F requirements demanding intensive 1:1 or micro-group containment.
The model
Dedicated 1:1 or 1:2 specialist mentoring focused on emotional stabilisation, low-arousal regulation, sensory bushcraft, campfire cooking, and step-down transition planning back into group learning.

InvestmentFrom £335per student / day

A typical day at Tolpuddle

Our daily structure combines rigorous academic routines with kinetic outdoor learning and family-style social connection. The day runs from 09:30 to 14:00.

Follow a group

Showing both groups. In sessions 1 and 2 they swap between the classroom and the outdoors.

  • Classroom session
  • Outdoor session
  • Whole group

  1. Arrival & low-arousal welcome

    Staff meet transport at the car park entrance for attendance tracking and immediate individual support.

  2. Session 1 (dual rotation)

    Group AFunctional Maths & English in our indoor classroom.

    Group BOutdoor bushcraft, woodworking, gardening, or cooking.

  3. Supervised break

    Structured, low-stress downtime supported by pastoral mentors.

  4. Session 2 (groups switch)

    Group AMoves outdoors.

    Group BMoves to classroom academics.

  5. Communal family lunch

    Freshly cooked hot meals provided by Max Events. Students help prep, set tables, and wash up to build real life skills.

  6. Whole-group team challenge

    Archery, orienteering, assault course tasks, or team-building activities across the 40-acre site.

  7. Departure & de-escalation

    Final positive reflection with staff before departing via taxis/transport.

Students practising archery at The Max Events Woodland School

Simple 3-step referral process

  1. Submit referral

    Email your student's profile, EHCP details, and risk assessment to info@maxevents.co.uk.

  2. 48-hour onboarding

    Our Executive DSL and Operations Lead complete data triangulation, medical checks, and site orientation within 48 hours.

  3. Induction & placement

    The student begins their placement with a dedicated mentor and tailored transition timetable.

A school group at The Max Events Woodland School

Get in touch or book a site visit

We invite Headteachers, SENCOs, Inclusion Leads, and Commissioning Officers to visit our Tolpuddle site to tour the facilities and discuss individual student referrals.

Head office telephone
0117 950 8080
On-the-day / emergency duty line
07789 988881
Referrals & enquiries email
info@maxevents.co.uk
Site address
Max Events Dorset, Off Waddock Drove, Dorchester, DT2 7FW

What3Words: ///backers.forgiving.jazz

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Leadership governance

  • James ChamberlainDirector
  • Jacqueline CoxallExecutive DSL & Curriculum Head
  • Phillip CoxallOperations Director & Deputy DSL

Arrange a visit or read the full prospectus

Contact our team Download full AP prospectus (PDF)

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