The Alternative School
URN: 136237 • Accrington BB5 1NT
Overview
- Name
- The Alternative School
- URN
- 136237
- Type
- Other independent school
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- None
- Admissions
- Not applicable
- Trust
- Private
- Yes
- Ofsted rating
- n/a
- Ranking score
- 41.9 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Kirsty Swierkowski (since 2025)
- Telephone
- 01282851800
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- 30 St. James Street, Accrington BB5 1NT
Summary
The Alternative School, located in Accrington, Lancashire, is an independent educational institution catering to students aged 6-18 who struggle to engage with mainstream education. Established in 2007, the school operates with a pupil-centred approach, offering a flexible and holistic learning experience tailored to individual needs. The school currently has 152 pupils enrolled, with a capacity of 260.
The curriculum is designed to support a diverse range of needs, including those with special educational needs (SEN), mental health challenges, and students at risk of exclusion. The school provides various educational packages across its seven campuses, focusing on smaller class sizes and nurturing environments. Assessments such as dyslexia screening and educational psychologist reports help to create personalised learning plans for each student.
The Alternative School has received positive recognition for its leadership and management, achieving a "Good" rating with "Outstanding" leadership in its latest Ofsted report. The school aims to foster a supportive community where students can thrive academically and socially, preparing them for their next stages in education and life.
The curriculum is designed to support a diverse range of needs, including those with special educational needs (SEN), mental health challenges, and students at risk of exclusion. The school provides various educational packages across its seven campuses, focusing on smaller class sizes and nurturing environments. Assessments such as dyslexia screening and educational psychologist reports help to create personalised learning plans for each student.
The Alternative School has received positive recognition for its leadership and management, achieving a "Good" rating with "Outstanding" leadership in its latest Ofsted report. The school aims to foster a supportive community where students can thrive academically and socially, preparing them for their next stages in education and life.
Useful links
- Governance (governance)
- Parent Calendar (calendar)
- Facebook (other)
- Twitter (other)
- Home (other)
- Contact Us (other)
- Policies (other)
- Prospectus (other)
- Referrals & Admissions (other)
- Term Dates (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Oswaldtwistle White Ash School (67.2)
- Oswaldtwistle School (51.4)
- Heathland Private School (47.7)
- Accrington Tutorial Centre (45.2)
- Islamia Girls' School (45.2)
Key details
- LA
- Lancashire
- Age range
- 6 - 18
- Boarders
- No boarders
- Sixth form
- Has a sixth form
- Trust
- Capacity
- 260
- Pupils
- 152
- Boys
- 118
- Girls
- 34
- FSM %
- Open date
- 2010-09-20
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Lancashire
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 152 | 118 | 34 | 260 | |
| 2024-09-11 | 103 | 74 | 29 | 260 | |
| 2023-09-11 | 73 | 56 | 17 | 260 | 0.00 |
| 2022-09-11 | 73 | 56 | 17 | 260 | 0.00 |
| 2021-09-11 | 104 | 71 | 33 | 190 | |
| 2020-09-11 | 151 | 101 | 50 | 190 |
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