Admissions and the School Day
Joining Blackpool Skills Academy
Blackpool Skills Academy is a registered independent school for young people aged 11 to 16. We specialise in supporting students with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and other barriers which may have affected their engagement, confidence or progress in education.
Many of our students have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), while others may be undergoing assessment or have additional needs which require a more personalised approach to education. We provide small-group teaching, individualised support and a curriculum which combines academic, vocational and personal development opportunities.
How Placements Are Made
Placements at Blackpool Skills Academy are normally arranged through a referring or commissioning school, Local Authority or other appropriate commissioning body. We work closely with the student, parents or carers and relevant professionals to consider whether Blackpool Skills Academy can appropriately meet the student's needs.
Students may attend on a full-time or part-time basis depending on the nature of their placement, the arrangements agreed with the commissioning organisation and the individual needs of the student.
Where a student attends Blackpool Skills Academy for part of the week while remaining enrolled at another school, arrangements for attendance, safeguarding, curriculum provision, communication and review are agreed with the commissioning school or organisation.
Where students have an EHCP, we work with parents and carers, the Local Authority and other relevant professionals to contribute to the statutory review process and ensure that provision reflects the student's identified needs and agreed outcomes.
Once a referral has been received, parents and carers are welcome to visit the School to learn more about what we offer, meet members of the team and see our learning environment.
Further information about admissions, referrals and the arrangements for considering placements can be found in our Admissions Policy on the Key Information page.
Our School Day
Our school day starts at 8.45am. The morning register opens at 8.45am and closes at 9.00am.
Lessons and activities finish at 3.00pm from Monday to Friday for full-time students. Part-time attendance arrangements may vary according to the student's agreed placement, commissioning arrangements and individual needs.
Students may travel to school using transport arranged as part of their placement, while others travel independently. Blackpool Skills Academy is centrally located in Blackpool and is close to public transport links.
Full-time students spend up to 31 hours in school each week, within a supportive environment designed to promote engagement, progress, personal development and preparation for their next steps.
This does not include any additional after-school activities.