Cann Bridge School (formerly known as Downham School) is a purpose-built special school for learners aged 3-19 with severe learning difficulties. The school relocated to its current site in September 2012 as part of the Tor Bridge Partnership campus. The partnership brings together four schools: Tor Bridge High, Tor Bridge Primary, Plym Bridge Nursery and Children's Centre, and Cann Bridge School, enabling all partners to benefit from a range of high-quality shared facilities.
These facilities include extensive sports amenities, a theatre space, the Solar Dome, a large community library and a shared restaurant, which is accessed daily by Cann Bridge pupils as part of their school experience. Pupils also benefit from access to dance studios, performance spaces, conference and event facilities, outdoor sports areas and specialist teaching environments, including food technology rooms and computing suites. The co-location of these schools creates valuable opportunities for collaboration, shared learning and economies of scale.
Since opening, Cann Bridge School has continued to grow and develop in response to the needs of the young people and families we serve. In 2017, we expanded our provision with the opening of Post Bridge College, creating an additional 20 places for young people aged 16-19 and further strengthening our Preparation for Adulthood curriculum. Purpose-built to provide a more age-appropriate environment for young adults, Post Bridge College includes a common room and a fully functioning café, providing valuable opportunities for supported work-related learning and enterprise activities. Students develop practical employability, communication and customer service skills through a range of real-life experiences, including the planning and delivery of our popular weekly Family Cafés.
A significant premises development was completed in 2022, when separation works between Tor Bridge Primary School and Cann Bridge School were undertaken. Previously co-located within shared areas of the campus, these improvements created distinct school environments while maintaining the benefits of partnership working across the site.
In 2024, the school further expanded its capacity through the installation of two modular classrooms, providing an additional 16 pupil places and helping to meet the growing demand for specialist educational provision in Plymouth.
In 2026, through funding secured via the SEND Family Hub, the school further enhanced its provision with the development of The Sky Room. This dedicated space has been designed to support the delivery of targeted interventions and therapeutic support for pupils, while also providing a welcoming environment for small family meetings, workshops and collaborative work with parents, carers and external professionals. The Sky Room reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the wellbeing, communication and development of both our pupils and their families.
Alongside these developments, Cann Bridge School has continued to enhance its specialist facilities through investment and active fundraising, ensuring that our learning environment continues to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our pupils. The school benefits from two dedicated sensory rooms, a soft play room, a warm water pool, a library, an immersive learning room, a science garden, an Upper School Playground and a Lower School Playground. We also have a central foyer area where whole-school events, celebrations and assemblies are held.
Our learning environments are carefully designed to support both education and wellbeing. All classrooms include one or more breakout spaces and dedicated kitchen facilities, enabling pupils to develop independence, life skills and social communication skills through their daily learning experiences. Most classrooms also have direct access to their own outdoor area, designed to support age-appropriate learning opportunities. In the Lower School, these spaces provide opportunities for play, exploration and sensory development, while in the Upper School they are often used to develop gardening, independence and other practical life skills.
Pupils also have access to a shared primary gym and hall, as well as the adventure playground located on the Tor Bridge Primary site. These facilities further enhance opportunities for physical development, recreation and enrichment.
Since 2023, the school has invested significantly in improving its facilities, resources and learning environments to ensure that pupils continue to benefit from high-quality specialist provision.
In addition, the school has a large multi-purpose staffroom that serves a variety of functions throughout the day. Each morning, it is used to host our Breakfast Club, providing pupils with a positive start to the school day before being transformed into a space for staff meetings, training and collaborative working. The staffroom is also occasionally used to host meetings of the Friends of Cann Bridge.
The school additionally benefits from a dedicated meeting room, medical room and a range of office spaces that support the work of the Senior Leadership Team, Human Resources, Finance Team, Inclusion and Pastoral Care Team, and Reception and Administrative Team.
Together, these facilities provide high-quality learning environments, therapeutic spaces and enriching experiences that help every young person to thrive and achieve their potential.
If you are interested in hiring our facilities, please visit the Policies section of our website, where you will find our Lettings Policy and application form.
To find out more about our premises and resources, please click on the picture buttons below.
