A personalised approach. A positive next step.
Finding the right educational setting matters. We work with young people, families and referring professionals to understand each student's needs and consider how we can support their learning, wellbeing and progress.
Who we support
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.
Small-group teaching
A supportive learning environment where students can build confidence, develop relationships and engage with education.
Individualised support
An approach shaped around each student's needs, with families and relevant professionals contributing to placement planning.
Learning with purpose
A curriculum combining academic learning, vocational opportunities and personal development to support students' next steps.
How placements are considered
Placements 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.
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Submit a referral
Referring professionals can use the stakeholder referral form below to provide information about the young person, their educational circumstances and the support they may require.
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Consider the student's needs
We consider the information provided and work with the referring organisation, family and relevant professionals to explore whether our provision is appropriate.
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Visit and discuss the provision
Once a referral has been received, parents and carers are welcome to visit the school, meet members of the team and see our learning environment.
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Agree placement arrangements
Where a placement is agreed, attendance, support, communication and review arrangements are established with the commissioning organisation and those involved in the student's education.
Full-time and part-time placements
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 their individual needs.
Where a student attends 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.
Students with an EHCP
Where students have an Education, Health and Care Plan, we work with parents and carers, the Local Authority and other relevant professionals to contribute to the statutory review process.
This helps ensure that provision reflects the student's identified needs and agreed outcomes.
Further information about admissions, referrals and how placements are considered is available in our Admissions Policy on the Key Information page.
Stakeholder referral form
If you are referring a young person on behalf of a school, Local Authority or another commissioning organisation, please complete the form below.
The information you provide helps us understand the young person's current circumstances, educational needs and the reasons for the referral. Please provide accurate, relevant information and complete the required sections as fully as possible.
For parents and carers: placements are normally arranged through a referring or commissioning organisation. Please discuss a potential referral with your child's school or Local Authority.
Please note: submitting a referral does not confirm a place. Each referral is considered individually to establish whether we can appropriately meet the student's needs.
Tell us about the young person you are referring
Please complete the stakeholder referral form below.
Having difficulty viewing or completing the form? Open the referral form in a new tab.
Our school day
A clear daily routine helps students know what to expect and make the most of their time in school.
The morning register opens at 8.45am.
The morning registration period ends.
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.
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.
Travelling to school
Students may travel 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.