Discovery Special Academy
URN: 145877 • Middlesbrough TS5 7YN
Overview
- Name
- Discovery Special Academy
- URN
- 145877
- Type
- Free schools special
- Phase
- Not applicable
- Status
- Open
- Gender
- Mixed
- Religious
- Does not apply
- Admissions
- Non-selective
- Trust
- TEES VALLEY EDUCATION
- Private
- No
- Ofsted rating
- Good
- Ranking score
- 57.5 / 100
Leadership & Contact
- Headteacher
- Jennifer Duncan (since 2025)
- Telephone
- 01642248333
- Website
- Visit
- Address
- Sandy Flatts Lane, Middlesbrough TS5 7YN
Summary
      Discovery Special Academy, located in Middlesbrough, serves a mixed population of 171 pupils with special educational needs. As a free special school, it aims to meet the increasing demand for special needs facilities in the Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland areas. The academy is dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive environment, where each child's unique needs are recognised and addressed.
The curriculum at Discovery is designed to promote holistic development, focusing on social, emotional, and academic progress. Subjects offered include phonics, reading, writing, maths, science, and various creative arts. The school also emphasises therapies and well-being, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual requirements.
Community involvement is a key aspect of Discovery Special Academy, with strong partnerships between staff, parents, and local authorities. The school fosters a collaborative atmosphere, where parents feel valued and supported, often describing staff as extensions of their family. This commitment to inclusion and community engagement underpins the academy's ethos and daily operations.
      The curriculum at Discovery is designed to promote holistic development, focusing on social, emotional, and academic progress. Subjects offered include phonics, reading, writing, maths, science, and various creative arts. The school also emphasises therapies and well-being, ensuring that students receive comprehensive support tailored to their individual requirements.
Community involvement is a key aspect of Discovery Special Academy, with strong partnerships between staff, parents, and local authorities. The school fosters a collaborative atmosphere, where parents feel valued and supported, often describing staff as extensions of their family. This commitment to inclusion and community engagement underpins the academy's ethos and daily operations.
Useful links
- Trust Governance (governance)
- Academy Governance/ LAB Committee (governance)
- Leave of Absence Request (sen)
- SEND Information Report (sen)
- Sensory Stories (sen)
- Discovery Provision (sen)
- Academy Calendar (calendar)
- Attendance Policies and Guidance (other)
- Admissions Arrangements (other)
- TVED Policies (other)
Nearby alternatives
- Teesside University (68.7)
- Priory Woods School (68.3)
- Beverley School (61.6)
- Ashdale (60.2)
- Parkwood (60.2)
Key details
- LA
- Middlesbrough
- Age range
- 2 - 16
- Boarders
- Not applicable
- Sixth form
- Does not have a sixth form
- Trust
- TEES VALLEY EDUCATION
- Capacity
- 171
- Pupils
- 171
- Boys
- 108
- Girls
- 63
- FSM %
- 66.70
- Open date
- 2018-09-01
- Close date
- Last Ofsted
- 2023-01-19
- Next inspection
- Data snapshot
- 2025-07-14
- County
- Cleveland
Trends
| Date | Pupils | Boys | Girls | Capacity | FSM% | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-07-14 | 171 | 108 | 63 | 171 | 66.70 | 
| 2024-09-11 | 149 | 96 | 53 | 122 | 59.10 | 
| 2023-09-11 | 79 | 52 | 27 | 122 | 59.50 | 
| 2022-09-11 | 79 | 52 | 27 | 122 | 59.50 | 
| 2021-09-11 | 60 | 40 | 20 | 84 | 63.30 | 
| 2020-09-11 | 45 | 28 | 17 | 84 | 57.80 | 
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