Pathway AcademyZone

Students aged 11–16, covering Key Stages 3 and 4.

Pathway AcademyZone is based in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.

The centre provides a small, structured and supportive learning environment with facilities including:

• Classrooms designed for focused individual and small-group learning.

• IT and digital-learning facilities.

• Creative and practical learning spaces.

• A gym with cardiovascular and fitness equipment.

• Kitchen facilities for supervised cooking and independent-living activities.

• Hair and Beauty training facility.

• Quiet spaces for regulation, mentoring and pastoral support.

• Indoor recreation and social areas.

Students also access appropriate facilities and opportunities within the local community, including sports facilities, educational visits, vocational experiences and employer encounters.

The learning environment supports academic education, practical skills, physical activity, personal development, wellbeing and preparation for further education, training or employment.

Yes. Pathway AcademyZone is suitable for students with SEND and students with Education, Health and Care Plans, subject to an individual referral and placement assessment.

The provision specialises in supporting students with:

• Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• Communication and interaction needs.

• ADHD and executive-functioning needs.

• Cognition and learning difficulties.

• Literacy and numeracy gaps.

• Sensory-processing needs.

• Anxiety, emotionally based avoidance and disrupted attendance.

• Multiple and co-occurring needs.

Each referral is considered against the student’s identified needs, EHCP provision, required staffing, risk information, peer compatibility and the centre’s ability to deliver a safe and suitable placement. Provision is coordinated through the Provision Map Framework, Individual Education Development Plan, Individual Education Support Plan and Individual Risk Assessment where required.

The curriculum is organised through three progressive stages:

• Discover (Year 7/8): rebuilding engagement, identifying strengths and ambitions, establishing starting points and recovering foundational learning.

• Connect (Year 9): strengthening curriculum participation, developing knowledge and skills and exploring vocational interests.

• Progress (Year 10/11): completing accredited learning, increasing vocational participation, accessing work-related experiences and preparing for post-16 progression.

Students access:

• Core Learning: English, mathematics and science.

• Wider Learning: humanities, PSHE and RSHE, physical education, creative and aesthetic studies, and IT and digital skills.

• Career Pathways: vocational learning, employability, careers guidance, employer encounters, workplace skills and preparation for further education, training or employment.

• Reading, literacy and phonics intervention.

• Curriculum recovery.

• Personal development and wellbeing.

• Community-Based Learning.

• CEIAG and post-16 transition planning.

• SEND provision, reasonable adjustments and Equitable Supports.

Accreditation routes may include:

• GCSE English and mathematics.

• Functional Skills English and mathematics from Entry Level 1 to Level 2.

• Open Awards Science at Entry Level 3 to Level 2.

• Open Awards Skills for Further Learning and Employment at Entry Level 3 to Level 2.

• AQA Unit Award Scheme recognition across appropriate curriculum and vocational areas.

Accreditation is matched to the student’s starting point, progress, aspirations and intended post-16 destination.

Our day runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm. A typical day combines focused Core learning in the morning with an extended practical, vocational or enrichment session in the afternoon.

An example day will include:

• 9:00am–9:30am: Restart, including Breakfast Club.

• 9:30am–10:15am: Humanities, mathematics, science or PSHE and RSHE.

• 10:15am–11:00am: Mathematics, English or science.

• 11:00am–11:15am: Morning break.

• 11:15am–12:00pm: English or science.

• 12:00pm–12:30pm: Lunch.

• 12:30pm–2:30pm: An extended practical session, such as art and design, IT and digital skills, hair and beauty, physical education, or reward and enrichment.

• 2:30pm–3:00pm: Reflection, including current events.

Daily rates range from £187 to £411, according to the student’s assessed needs and required support:

• Band 1: £187 per day for small-group learning and universal pastoral support.

• Band 2: £243 per day for increased adult support and targeted intervention.

• Band 3: £299 per day for reduced group sizes, daily support and structured intervention.

• Band 4 Enhanced: £355 per day for dedicated 1:1 support and enhanced safety planning.

• Band 5 Specialist: £411 per day for specialist 1:1 provision, intensive intervention and enhanced risk management.

The appropriate band is agreed following review of the referral, EHCP, staffing requirements and identified risks. Any exceptional additional costs are agreed with the commissioning authority before placement begins.

Pathway AcademyZone offers:

• AQA-approved GCSE accreditation routes.

• Open Awards qualifications from Entry Level 3 to Level 2, including Functional Skills.

• IXL diagnostics to identify learning gaps and monitor progress.

• GL Assessment CAT4 and NGRT assessments to support understanding of cognitive and reading profiles.

• Arbor for student information, attendance and educational records.

• CPOMS for secure safeguarding recording and case management.

• A secure site with controlled access using the Paxton access-control system.

• CCTV coverage across appropriate internal communal areas, external areas and site access points.

• Individualised assessment, curriculum planning and progress monitoring linked to each student’s starting points and intended outcomes.