WE’RE reimaginING SECONDARY school

Lumiar Secondary (C3) is a school where young people thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—because their education is meaningful, joyful, and empowering.

Our programme breaks away from the conventional model of education to offer something truly extraordinary:

  • A small, intentional community: With class sizes capped at 18, every student is deeply known, supported, and valued.

  • Student choice and passion-led learning: Students take ownership of their education, pursuing projects and interests that matter to them.

  • A focus on mental health and well-being: Emotional literacy, mindfulness, and self-care are woven into daily life, ensuring students feel grounded and resilient.

  • Real-world skills, not rote memorization: From running businesses to solving global challenges, our students learn by doing, preparing for life beyond the classroom.

Lumiar Secondary is built on the same transformative principles that make Lumiar unique, now tailored to the needs of adolescents. Read more about our vision for the programme here.

 

MEET OUR SECONDARY LEAD

TOM BROWN: C3 Development consultant

Tom Brown has over a decade of experience teaching, founding, and leading progressive education programmes in the US and UK. He is a trained Montessori guide, specialising in both elementary and adolescent education, with an M.Ed. in Montessori Education and an MA in English from Oxford University. He is also an educational consultant, presenter, magazine editor, writer, and coach, working with progressive schools around the world.

You can read his writing here.

“At my core, I believe education should empower young people to take charge of their learning, follow their passions, and thrive in a joyful, supportive community. I’ve built programmes that do just that—designing innovative curriculums, fostering mental well-being, and creating real-world learning opportunities. With Lumiar, I’m excited to combine my experience and passions to help young people develop the skills, confidence, and curiosity to shape their own futures.”

 

A CURRICULUM BUILT FOR THE FUTURE

Lumiar Secondary uses the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC), a globally recognised framework tailored to the teenage brain. Our approach:

  • Combines academic excellence with practical life skills, creative exploration, and social responsibility.

  • Aligns with the National Curriculum while offering flexibility for personalised learning.

  • Centers on global citizenship and sustainability, empowering students to tackle real-world issues with confidence and compassion.

Read more about the IMYC here.

 

CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE?

Join us on this exciting journey as we launch Lumiar’s groundbreaking secondary programme.

If you have questions, or would like to schedule a visit to meet our tutors, explore our farm-based campus, and see how our students are transforming education, please click the button below or email us at admin@lumiar.co.uk.

 

FAQs

Please also read our Admissions and Info Hub for further information, or contact us directly at admin@lumiar.co.uk.

  • Our fees are half those of a traditional private school. The fees for 2025/26 will be around £10,000 incl. VAT. There is a non-refundable deposit of £500 to secure a place, deducted from your child’s fees.

  • We are accepting Year 7 and 8 students in 2025/26. By 2027, we’ll go all the way up to Year 9 (meaning a child can stay at Lumiar from ages 4 to 14).

  • We have limited places available, and expect them to go quickly as there is a big demand for secondary school alternatives in this area. In our first year, we expect a cohort of 10-15 students.

  • Please contact admin@lumiar.co.uk to show your interest and get added to our mailing list. We will be hosting local info sessions in Frome, Bath, BoA, and Trowbridge in February and Open Days at Lumiar in March/April. We also encourage you to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates and photos.

  • We invite prospective students to come into the school for a ‘try out’ session. These will be in March/April. This allows them to see the setting, and meet the students and teachers. Once you have attended an info session, tour, or Open Day, we will ask you to complete an application form after which we can book your child into a 'try out’ session.

 

HELP US LAUNCH

It takes a village to run a programme like this, and we are asking for financial support to help our programme get off the ground. If you are a local family who wants to see this option become a reality, or a person who wants to influence change in education, please consider donating to our cause. Click button below for our fundraising page.

- PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBIE ASADI -