Academic Support

The aim of the Academic Support department is to provide all of our pupils with the best possible teaching and support in the areas of literacy, numeracy and study skills. The department is small enough to be able to individualise the nature of the support we give, and large enough to be able to deliver that support as and when it is required. 

Our specialist teachers (including SEND trained teachers) provide specific and structured support in a non-pressured environment for all pupils with any sort of additional learning need. 

Our unique provision of support for pupils includes 1:1 lessons with highly qualified and experienced teachers, who use strategies such as multi-sensory techniques, educational puzzles and computer programmes to encourage the pupils to learn in their own way. Our teaching assistants provide an invaluable role, nurturing and supporting the pupils they work alongside in mainstream lessons as well as supporting delivery in small group sessions. Some groups follow the Functional Skills programme which supplements and supports preparation for GCSEs and builds confidence in core academic skills.

Pupils who have SEND and EAL make rapid progress towards long-term goals because they receive highly effective support, which is individually focused and carefully assessed.

ISI Inspection Report 2021

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Pupils studying EAL do so in smaller class sizes and with specific teachers who deliver the IELTS and PET and KET courses to supplement learning in mainstream lessons. Lessons are set by ability, so students work collaboratively towards their goal to improve their English, whether it is to access the curriculum, or to gain entrance to University.