Centre Academy East Anglia, located at the heart of Ipswich, is a co-educational day school catering for students aged seven to 18 with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia. This independent institution operates from a serene East Anglian village, offering a nurturing environment for its pupils. The school follows a non-denominational ethos and provides a tailored educational experience that accommodates the diverse needs of its students.
The academy’s curriculum is designed to align with the National Curriculum, offering GCSEs, Entry Level Certificates, and the Unit Award Scheme, which is not examination-based. This flexible approach ensures that each student’s academic potential is unlocked while accommodating their unique learning requirements. The school also provides a life skills programme for students who may not be academically inclined, ensuring they are equipped with essential skills for adulthood.
Under the leadership of Lisa Gilbert, who became Head of School in September 2022, the academy has continued to thrive. With her extensive background in special educational needs (SEN), Gilbert brings a wealth of experience and empathy to her role. Her commitment to the school is evident in her interactions with both students and parents, fostering an inclusive and supportive community.
Rohan Murphy, the proprietor and principal since summer 2022, shares this dedication to providing an enriching educational experience. With personal experience of special needs within his family, Murphy understands the importance of schools like Centre Academy in supporting children who might otherwise struggle in mainstream settings. His enthusiasm for enhancing resources and curriculum offerings is palpable, ensuring that pupils have access to everything they need to succeed.
The academy’s entrance policy caters to children aged seven to 19 with various conditions, including attention difficulties, autism, developmental coordination disorder, developmental delay, dyslexia, dyscalculia, attachment disorders, and trauma. Most students have Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and many join between the ages of 10 and 13 when transitioning from primary to secondary education proves challenging. The majority of pupils are funded by local authorities after a lengthy battle for placement.
Teaching at Centre Academy East Anglia is characterised by small tutor groups of fewer than ten pupils. Fully qualified teachers provide differentiated instruction tailored to each student’s needs. This personalised approach has led to remarkable progress for many students, as evidenced by parents’ testimonials about their children’s academic achievements.
The school’s emphasis on learning support and SEN provision is evident in its approach to developing children’s independence. Learning support assistants are not assigned to specific children but instead help reinforce knowledge and skills across small groups. This method ensures that lessons are suitable for every individual while promoting self-reliance.
Centre Academy East Anglia also places significant importance on extra-curricular activities. The arts are particularly popular among students, with music and drama being integral parts of the school’s culture. Forest school sessions offer younger pupils opportunities for outdoor learning and exploration.
Sport is another key component of the academy’s programme. A variety of team games and individual activities are available, led by a specialist teacher. Horse-riding is especially popular among younger pupils, providing them with opportunities for personal growth and confidence-building.
The school’s pastoral care system is robust, ensuring that every child’s wellbeing is prioritised. Mental health support and trauma therapy are available for older students, while dietary preferences and allergies are catered for with care. The academy’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its uniform policy, which accommodates sensory needs while preparing students for societal expectations in adult life.
Therapy is seamlessly integrated into the school day at Centre Academy East Anglia. A dedicated team of therapists provides tailored support for each child based on their EHCPs and individual needs. Therapy goals are set at the start of each term and communicated to parents through regular updates.
Parents play an active role in the school community through termly meetings and events focused on online safety and speech support. The academy maintains open lines of communication with parents via phone calls or emails from the headteacher whenever necessary.
In terms of exit pathways, local authorities often encourage students to transfer to college at 16 years old; two-thirds do so successfully. Centre Academy serves as a feeder school for several local colleges where students pursue both academic and vocational subjects.
Overall exam results indicate positive outcomes for many pupils who benefit from this supportive environment tailored specifically towards those with SpLDs or other challenges affecting their education journey.
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