The Stephen Longfellow Academy provides an exceptionally effective alternative provision for students aged 5 to 16 in the South Leeds region and surrounding areas.

Students are referred from local primary and secondary schools.

The length of time that a student is with us is dictated entirely by the personal need of that student. For a small number, these will be shorter placements. For many a much longer placement is required because of the profound need of the student concerned.

Our students’ well-being is always at the forefront of our minds and all decisions are made within the best interests of each individual student and the academy as a whole.

A global therapeutic support wraps around the student and their family, with need met through a variety of 1:1 and group interventions.

Teaching is acutely personalised to each individual, this ensures that content is suitable, challenging and encourages high levels of progress.

We ensure that there is a strong focus on both personal growth and development and academic success.

Our academic aspirations for our students are in line with expectations of mainstream schools nationally. Progress is measured from the point of entry with a relentless focus on achieving our true potential.

We ensure that students are able to achieve and improve their outcomes through an outstanding quality of education with inspirational teaching and leadership.

Careers is an integral part of our wider curriculum, students are supported on a 1:1 basis by our careers team and through group work during form time.

We live by our mission statement of ‘We walk together’.

Staff and students work in collaboration with kindness at the heart of everything that we do.

We have a highly focused drive for excellence.

We believe that every child can succeed regardless of their socio-economic background.