Together we belong, grow, learn and achieve

ACT Schools is an independent school for pupils aged 11 to 16. We specialise in supporting students with special educational needs, particularly those facing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges.

As a parent, you want your child to feel understood, supported, and inspired to achieve. At ACT Schools, we share that vision. We are passionate about helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and resilience they need to become successful, independent adults.

Far too often, young people reach age 16 without the core literacy, numeracy, and life skills they need to succeed. That’s why we focus on early intervention, providing the right environment, support, and tailored curriculum from early stages to re-engage pupils who may be struggling in mainstream settings.

Our school offers a genuine alternative to traditional education; an education that is built on care, structure, and high expectations. With a dynamic curriculum and a wide range of support packages, ACT Schools creates opportunities for students to rediscover their potential, overcome personal barriers, and prepare for a positive future in education, employment, or training.

Be:

Ready
Respectful
safe

We are able to admit pupils between the ages of 11 and 16 who have not engaged with mainstream education.

Placements are limited so pupils must be referred by their Local Authority (LA) and an assessment will be conducted to ensure ACT Schools is the right provision to meet the child’s needs.

For more information on the admissions process please email info@acttraining.org.uk or give us a call on 029 2046 4727 and ask to speak to one of our ACT Schools team.

Our admissions policy can be found here.

We have developed a curriculum that focuses both on academic and vocational subjects, offering pupils an opportunity to work towards achieving the same as their mainstream counterparts but in an environment that is more suited to their needs.

Our pupils are guaranteed

An individualised, person-centred programme that suits their needs.
Access to our experienced pupil support services including an outreach worker.
Daily support with behaviour and personal barriers.
Regular progress and target setting.
All the support they need to ensure successful transition to post-16 destinations.

Meet the team

At key stage 3 our focus is to make sure the transition from primary school to secondary school is as easy as possible for our pupils. Personal development is at the centre of our KS3 approach and we work individually with our pupils to set key learning goals.

Pupils will focus on improving their literacy and numeracy skills alongside other key areas of the curriculum including, science, creative arts and technology.

At key stage 4 our pupils are working toward their GCSE qualifications. We work with each pupil individually to map out their learning journey and provide them with all the tools they need succeed. Our pupils can currently work toward GCSEs in English Language, Mathematics, Numeracy and Art.

The ACT Schools vocational offer provides Year 10 and 11 pupils from ACT Schools and other mainstream secondary schools the opportunity to complete a Level 1 City and Guilds qualification.

Level 1 courses include:

Animal Care
Construction
Hair and Beauty
Motor Vehicle

For more information click here.

We recognise that personal development can often occur outside of the classroom. To offer our pupils as much support as possible we now offer an enrichment programme where learners have access to away days, specialist speakers and workshops aiming to help provide life experiences and develop skills outside of traditional classroom settings.

At ACT Schools, we are proud to offer our Additional Learning Needs (ALN) provision.

Our Universal Learning Provision offers a wide range of support available to all pupils, including wellbeing, literacy, numeracy, digital skills, individual targets, centre-delegated exam access arrangements, and post-16 support. We recognise that the Universal Learning Provision will meet the needs of most pupils; however, some may require additional support through our Additional Learning Provision.

Our Additional Learning Provision includes cognitive assessments, targeted literacy, numeracy and wellbeing interventions, wellbeing support, and online applications for exam access arrangements, such as 25% extra time. We work to identify pupils who may benefit from additional provision and ensure they have everything they need to succeed in their education at ACT Schools.

Our dedicated ALN team ensures that all pupils have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment.

2024-2025 Academic Outcomes

During the 2024-25 academic year, 20 Year 11’s completed their education at ACT Schools. Their outcomes of those who completed the year can be summarised as follows:

% of pupils

92

pupils feel our Teachers teach their subject well.

% of pupils

100

achieved their GCSEs

% of pupils

50

achieved a Level 1 threshold (5 GCSE's or more)

100% of pupils had positive destinations and were still engaged in the provisions in the Autumn term.

No complaints were received in the 2024-25 academic year.

Pupil Support Services

The wellbeing and safeguarding of our pupils is central to the work we do at ACT Schools. Over time, the majority of pupils build strong, trusting relationships with our staff, which fosters positive engagement with their learning, boosts their confidence, and supports their progress.

Pupils are encouraged to have their say. Our ACT Learner Representative, Lily Pandeles, works closely with all our provisions to make sure that learners and pupils are getting the most out of their ACT journey. She aims to run monthly school council meetings with elected class representatives and teachers. Find out more about Lily here.

You can view our updated Pupil Safeguarding Procedure here.

Health and Safety Policy

Safeguarding Policy and Procedure

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Policy

Admissions Policy and Procedure

ALN Policy

Anti-bullying Policy and Procedure

Behaviour Policy

Curriculum Policy

First Aid Policy

ACT Schools did not receive any formal complaints in the 2022/23 academic year

Complaints Policy and Procedure