14+ Academies

Based at Park Lane Campus, the 14+ Academies supports students through GCSEs while offering a vocational element to their studies. The academy offers a different environment to students who may not enjoy school but have the motivation and desire to progress with their studies. 

Alongside studying for traditional qualifications in English, maths, business and science, you will develop skills and knowledge in other areas that are desired by employers. You will also complete work experience and carry out vocational study in a field you hope to pursue. We offer support from expert staff, ensuring that you can achieve and progress.

We are an outstanding provision (Ofsted, February 2018) that delivers both a stimulating educational environment and an inclusive and supportive community for 14 and 15 year olds.

With a strong focus on developing real world and employability skills, the academy delivers close pastoral support and strong communication with parents and carers. The strength of our provision is externally recognised and a recent assessment by Ofsted graded us as “Outstanding.”

Smaller class sizes
With a class size of no more than 20, our team understands how to get the best out of our learners with tailored teaching to match individual needs.

Excellent progress
Our learners frequently make excellent progress. On average, we secure a 98% academic pass rate for our learners. All students are given the tools and guidance to help them advance into further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

Outstanding outcomes
100% of our learners progress successfully on to post-16 education or training across a range of provisions; whether that’s A levels, apprenticeships, or vocational options.

Innovative use of learning technology
Through our partnership with Google, we equip staff and students with the latest technological knowledge. Our students also develop skills in a modern, interactive environment.

Strong parent partnerships
We pride ourselves on our supportive relationships with parents and carers. We place engagement with families at the heart of our work.

Outstanding external reviews
Describing our provision, Ofsted stated: “Students thrive in the highly supportive college environment and make outstanding progress.”

We offer around 80 to 100 places each year but we receive many more applications than what we are unfortunately able to accept. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, there is a robust recruitment plan that you have to complete for your application to be considered. Below are the four stages of applying, each of which must be completed.

It is essential that you attend an open event with a parent/carer. We are strong believers that before you apply, you need to see what you are applying for! Our open events are also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have and take a tour of the 14+ Academies. Without attending you are unable to apply for a place at the academy.

Once you are satisfied with everything you’ve heard from staff and current students at the open event, it’s time for you to complete an application (copies of which are available at the open events). It’s important you are as honest as possible on your application as we would like to know the real you and your reasons for wanting to join. As part of the application, you are also required to send us your latest school reports (academic, behaviour and attendance).

Once we receive your application, you will be asked to create a short video about yourself. We use this opportunity to get to know you a little bit more and begin to build an understanding of who you are. We know it can seem a little daunting, especially if this is new to you. Please remember that we are not looking for a masterpiece, we just want to see you put a little bit of effort into showing off who you are and why you think the 14+ Academies is for you.

In addition to the video task, you will also be invited to an interview. The informal interview will be between you and a member of staff from the 14+ Academies and will take place online. This lets us get to know you a little more (and lets you get to know us too!) and is a perfect opportunity for us to understand your motivation for wanting to join and ask any questions we might have from reading your application. Your parents/carers are more than welcome to accompany you to this, but they don’t have to!

If any of the above seems a little scary or you are struggling to complete any aspects, please get in touch and we will talk through what you need from us or put any reasonable adjustments in place to help!

Good luck!

Different things such as lockers, revision guides and trips can be purchased from the store.

14+ Academies – Pupil Premium Strategy 2022/2023