Vision and Aims
Building futures, inspiring ambition and celebrating every success
Blackpool Skills Academy is a specialist alternative provision and social enterprise based in the heart of Blackpool, providing high-quality education and support for young people aged 11–16.
We work in close partnership with Blackpool Council, local authorities, schools, employers and wider community organisations to create a safe, ambitious and forward-thinking learning environment that combines academic development, vocational education and therapeutic support.
Many of our students arrive with disrupted educational experiences, barriers to learning or reduced confidence in mainstream settings. We are experienced in supporting students with SEND, EHCPs, SEMH needs and EAL, and we recognise the importance of providing stability, consistency and genuine care.
Our approach provides students with a fresh start through small class sizes, personalised support, strong relationships and meaningful opportunities to experience success. We aim to rebuild confidence, develop resilience and help every student move positively towards their future.
Our Vision
At Blackpool Skills Academy, we want to create something different: a setting where young people feel safe, valued and inspired to succeed.
We believe education should help students discover their strengths, understand their potential and experience how learning connects to the real world. Our curriculum combines academic learning, vocational experiences and personal development so students can build both qualifications and confidence.
Our ambition is for every student to:
- Feel safe, supported and respected as an individual
- Develop confidence, resilience and self-belief
- Achieve academically, personally and vocationally
- Understand how English, Maths and Science connect to everyday life and future careers
- Develop communication, teamwork and employability skills
- Understand equality, diversity and inclusion within modern society
- Develop awareness of online safety, relationships, safeguarding and the risks linked to technology and social media
- Build positive relationships with others and contribute meaningfully to their local community
- Access clear pathways into further education, apprenticeships, employment and adult life
We also recognise the importance of strong partnership working with schools, local authorities and external agencies. Our ambition is to:
- Provide high-quality and inclusive educational support for young people who require alternative provision
- Support the wider aims of the SEND and EHCP agenda
- Work collaboratively with schools, families and external services to achieve the best outcomes for students
- Reduce barriers, improve communication and strengthen transitions between settings
- Deliver meaningful impact and value through early intervention, personalised support and aspirational learning opportunities
Our Core Values
Inspirational Learning
Practical, purposeful and engaging education that connects to students’ lives, interests and future aspirations.
Heart of the Community
Strong partnerships with schools, employers, families and local services that extend learning beyond the classroom.
Celebrating Diversity
A culture where every individual is valued, respected and encouraged to be themselves.
Challenge and Support
High expectations combined with strong pastoral care, therapeutic support and personalised intervention.
What Makes Blackpool Skills Academy Distinctive
We combine vocational learning, academic education and therapeutic support within a highly personalised environment.
Students have opportunities to specialise in practical vocational pathways including:
- Construction
- Hair and Beauty
- Catering and Hospitality
These curriculum areas provide students with meaningful practical experiences, transferable employability skills and insight into future career pathways, while continuing to strengthen core English, Maths and Science skills.
Our curriculum is enriched through:
- Small class sizes and personalised support
- Teaching staff and vocational professionals with industry expertise
- Practical learning linked to real-life and workplace contexts
- Employer encounters, projects and community partnerships
- Therapeutic approaches and emotional regulation support embedded within the school day
- A structured teaching approach influenced by nurture, primary practice and adaptive learning strategies
- Ongoing careers education and post-16 preparation
We recognise that many students require support in rebuilding confidence, routines and engagement with education. Our approach therefore combines clear structure, positive relationships and practical learning experiences that allow students to experience success and develop resilience over time.
Preparation for Life beyond School
At Blackpool Skills Academy, we do more than prepare students for examinations. We prepare them for adulthood, further education, employment and life beyond school.
We support students to:
- Build confidence in accessing larger post-16 settings and workplaces
- Understand apprenticeship, college and training pathways
- Develop communication, self-advocacy and social skills
- Manage transitions positively and independently
- Develop employability skills such as teamwork, punctuality, resilience and professionalism
Students move on to a range of post-16 destinations including college courses, apprenticeships, vocational training and employment pathways, supported closely by staff, families and local partnerships.
Partnership with Employers
Employer engagement is a central part of our curriculum and wider vision. Students regularly take part in employer encounters, practical workshops, projects and careers-related learning that help raise aspirations and connect learning to future opportunities.
Blackpool Skills Academy was founded by Andy Iredale, whose national work with employers and education organisations helps strengthen opportunities for young people across the academy.
Through these partnerships, students have opportunities to engage with experiences, projects and resources linked to organisations including:
- bp
- Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
- Keepmoat Homes
- BAE Systems
- Bentley Motors
- National Grid
- nDreams
- Sizewell C
- Pure Energy Music
- Wagamama
- And a range of additional employers across construction, energy, digital, creative and service industries
These experiences help students understand future pathways, develop ambition and recognise that successful futures are achievable.
Our Teaching Ethos: BUILD
Our teaching is rooted in the BUILD values, which underpin every lesson, every interaction and every stage of students’ development:
- B – Believe in every student’s potential
- U – Understand individual needs and strengths
- I – Inspire curiosity, effort and ambition
- L – Lead by example with positivity and professionalism
- D – Develop skills for life, work and wellbeing
BUILD reflects our belief that strong relationships, high expectations and meaningful support are essential in helping young people succeed.
Our Promise
Blackpool Skills Academy exists to do more than educate. We exist to open doors, raise aspirations and help young people believe in their future.
We provide:
- A safe, structured and nurturing learning environment
- High-quality academic and vocational pathways
- Strong pastoral and therapeutic support
- Rich employer engagement and community partnerships
- Personalised careers guidance and post-16 preparation
- A fresh start for young people who need one
We are proud to be building something ambitious, practical and deeply rooted in the needs of our community — a place where young people can experience success, develop confidence and take meaningful steps towards their future.