Waterside Academy provides specialist alternative provision for young people aged 11 to 16 who are experiencing significant barriers to successfully accessing mainstream education.

Our aim is to provide a supportive, structured and purposeful environment where pupils can re-engage with learning, make meaningful progress and prepare for the most appropriate next stage of their educational journey.

Admissions to Waterside Academy

Pupils are admitted to Waterside Academy through agreed referral and placement pathways. This includes pupils who have been permanently excluded from mainstream education, alongside other young people for whom a placement at Waterside Academy has been identified as appropriate through the local authority, Fair Access Panel and partnership processes.

Following referral, information is gathered from the pupil's previous school and relevant professionals to support a smooth and well-planned transition into Waterside Academy.

We work closely with pupils, parents and carers, schools, the local authority and other professionals to ensure that each pupil's individual circumstances, educational history and support needs are fully understood from the outset.

Reintegration into Mainstream Education

For some pupils, a return to mainstream education represents the most appropriate next step.

Reintegration programmes are individually planned and are usually considered after approximately 12 weeks, although the timing, duration and structure may be adapted to reflect each pupil’s needs, progress and readiness.

Throughout the process, Waterside Academy works in close partnership with the receiving school, the pupil and their family. Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure that reintegration is successful, sustainable and focused on long-term positive outcomes.

12-week Re-engagement Programme

Waterside Academy also offers time-limited Re-engagement placements for pupils who remain on the roll of their mainstream school but are experiencing significant difficulties in education and may be at risk of permanent exclusion.

These placements are typically planned for up to 12 weeks and provide pupils with an opportunity to re-engage positively with learning within a supportive and structured environment.

During the placement, Waterside Academy works closely with the pupil's home school, family and relevant professionals. Attendance, engagement and progress are regularly reviewed with the aim of supporting a successful return to mainstream education or identifying the most appropriate future educational pathway.

Partnership Working

Partnership working is central to our approach.

Whether a young person is joining Waterside Academy, accessing a Re-engagement placement or preparing to return to mainstream education, we are committed to ensuring that transitions are carefully planned, communication is clear and decisions remain focused on achieving positive and sustainable outcomes for every pupil.

Admissions and Pathways Enquiries

For further information regarding admissions, reintegration or re-engagement placements, please contact:

Johanne Brown

Inclusion, Admissions & Reintegration Lead

Email: admissions@watersideacademy.co.uk