The Alternative School Trust (TAS), a network of independent specialist schools with eight campuses across Lancashire, has received a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The group has been commended for its high standards and providing a truly transformative educational experience for its pupils. The ISI, the equivalent of Ofsted for independent schools, said the school continues to set a benchmark for excellence in specialist education, with a strong focus on personalised learning and pupil wellbeing. The school’s hybrid, relationship-led approach allows pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, including many with Education Health and Care Plans...
Alfie’s story: From crisis to confidence
When Alfie arrived at our Woodlands campus at Boothman Park in Year 10, he had experienced multiple school breakdowns, been involved in knife crime and gang culture and was caught in a cycle of behaviour that left little space for education. Following a serious incident, Alfie was moved out of his hometown for his own safety and placed in a residential home. That’s when he was introduced to the Woodlands. At first, Alfie’s engagement was minimal. Trust had to be earned. The Woodlands team knew that pupils like Alfie needed something different: time, consistency and connection. His education began outdoors,...
Announcements
Football insight fuels new Executive Head’s vision for TAS
A new executive headteacher says his experience in football management will guide him as he takes the helm of eight Lancashire schools. The Alternative School Trust (TAS), a respected network of eight independent specialist schools, has announced the appointment of Neil Reynolds as its new executive headteacher. Neil brings with him more than 25 years of experience in education, as well as transferable skills from his time as a football manager. He has held senior leadership roles at institutions including Preston College, Fulwood High School and South Shore Academy in Blackpool, while his football career includes a spell managing FC...
Announcements
Invictus Games trip highlights power of belief and opportunity for TAS pupils
Four pupils from The TAS Trust, a group of specialist independent schools, recently returned from a life changing trip to the Invictus Games in Canada. For Jodi-Li Wilman,15, Hayden Richardson,14, and Bailey Blaine,13 it was their first experience of international travel and navigating a new city and represented a significant step forward in building self-confidence and independence. Organised by TAS Trust – a network of independent specialist schools with eight campuses across Lancashire – this trip represented an extension of the school’s mission to think outside the box and create meaningful opportunities for young people who have struggled in traditional...
Return To School Announcement
5th January 2021, RETURN TO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTHello, Following the recent government announcement regarding how schools should operateduring this lockdown period, please find below the plan for The Alternative School Group.Monday 4th, 5th & 6th January: All staff Inset Days, on campus – Planning for testing on campus, pupil induction, curriculum and exam planning/assessment for all pupils returning safely to school.Thursday 7th Jan: Primary pupils, Secondary pupils CLA – Return on campusFriday 8th Jan: As aboveMonday 11th Jan: ALL PUPILS Return to campus All of our pupils attending The Alternative School, whether it be at Barnoldswick, Accrington, Burnley or Blackpool fall...
End of Term
We have now reached the end of our second half term. We would like to thank all of our pupils, parents and carers for your continued efforts to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. Over the Christmas period, the government have eased restrictions to allow people to mix with a slightly wider circle of family and friends. People will be able to travel to “bubble” with 2 other households. Please remember to ensure that if you display symptoms of Covid-19 (a new, continuous cough, a high temperature, a loss of taste or smell), that you get a test at your local testing facility, and...
Guiding your child to a successful career
InvestIN provides students aged 12-18 with immersive work experience in some of the world’s most competitive and desirable careers – medicine, law, engineering, investment banking and more. More than 40,000 students from 81 different countries have attended an InvestIN programme. You are cordially invited to our free-of-charge, ‘Live Online’ event for parents aged 12-18.
Looking after ourselves – Newsletter
Thank you for taking the time to read our latest newsletter, we hope some of the advice given is helpful, if you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is important that as pupils, parents, teachers etc, we look after our mental health. The lockdown period has been difficult for many, with struggles of isolation to anxieties about the ever changing rules and regulations. We have round up our favorite apps, available on iPhone and Android. Why not give them a try? 1) Insight Timer Price: Free (navigate around the subscription screen with the button that says “Start 7 Day...
TAS Covid Update
Hello , Welcome to the Alternative School statement regarding Covid 19, Term 1, September 20. Following the recent news that Covid has begun to increase in numbers over the recent weeks, The Alternative School would like to advise you of what our plans look like moving forward towards Christmas. Firstly, we are already making contingency plans to ensure that if we have to return to a lockdown or partial lockdown situation, that we will continue to provide home cooked meals to all pupils and staff daily, that pupils and staff both have access to IPADs and a wealth of remote teaching resources, all personalised for TAS. Safeguarding calls to pupils will...