The Apex Academy

School pre-registration inspection report

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The Apex Academy Old Hartford School, Scott Street, East Hartford, Northumberland NE23 3AR

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraphs 2(1), to 2(2)(b) to 2(2)(e)(iii), 2(2)(h), 2(2)(i)  The proprietor has ensured that there is a curriculum policy in place. Resources and lesson plans are available; some resourced from national organisations for both academic and personal development. Teachers will use these as a basis for their own planning. Teachers will be expected to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of the pupils they are teaching.  The school intends to cater for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). There is a suitable special educational needs policy in place that explains how pupils with SEND will be supported to access the whole curriculum. The school intends to follow a graduated approach model. There is sufficient expertise amongst staff and leaders to implement this.  Leaders have purchased appropriate resources to support pupils who need additional

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Main inspection findings

help with their reading. Some staff have undergone phonics training to enable them to teach pupils to read.  The curriculum is planned so that enrichment activities support the rapid development of relationships between staff and pupils so that academic learning can begin swiftly and be successful.  Careers education is purposefully planned. Leaders intend to achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks. They are keen to consider the local market. The proprietor intends to offer independent advice and guidance through a local provider. Paragraph 2A(1), 2A(1)(a), 2A(1)(b), 2A(1)(d), 2A(1)(e), 2A(1)(f), 2A(1)(g), 24(2)  There is a policy in place for relationships and sex education (RSE). The policy sets out how parents will be consulted regarding the content of this provision. There is a letter ready for parent and carer consultation if the school is approved to open. The proprietor intends for the RSE policy to be available on the school website.

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Main inspection findings

 The policy is in line with the updated statutory guidance from the government’s, ‘Relationships and sex education (RSE) and health education’ July 2025 document.  The policy makes it clear about the right of withdrawal from some aspects of relationships and sex education. Paragraph 3, 3(a), 3(b), 3(c), 3(d), 3(e), 3(f), 3(g), 3(h), 3(i), 3(j), 4  Leaders have high expectations for the quality of teaching at the school. Resources are in place to support teachers to teach the curriculum. During the inspection, inspectors visited 3 lessons of pupils who attend the alternative provision. Pupils were on task with their learning.  The proprietor intends to employ qualified teachers with subject expertise, for example in mathematics and English. Time will be made available on Friday afternoons for teachers to plan and work together to enhance cross-curricular links.  There is a framework for assessment in place which will enable teachers to check

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Main inspection findings

what pupils know and can do and to use this information to inform their lesson planning. There are plans for assessing pupils on entry to the school, so that teachers are clear about pupils’ starting points.  The headteacher has a good knowledge of quality assurance processes and intends to make regular checks on the quality of teaching. There is a plan in place for staff’s continuous professional development. This includes development around teaching as well as ensuring that the staff have strong safeguarding, behaviour management and contextual knowledge.  The proprietor intends that pupils will take GCSE qualifications, or the equivalent, when pupils are in Year 11 so that they are well prepared for their next steps.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a), 5(b), 5(b)(i), 5(b)(ii), 5(b)(iii), 5(b)(iv), 5(b)(v), 5(b)(vi), 5(b)(vii),

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Main inspection findings

5(c), 5(d), 5(d)(i), 5(d)(ii), 5(d)(iii)  All strands of pupils social, moral, spiritual and cultural (SMSC) development of pupils are evident in the school’s SMSC policy.  There is a planned personal development curriculum that covers all requirements of the independent school standards (the standards) in this part.  Leaders are aware of the demographic of the pupils who will likely attend the school and are clear about how they will ensure pupils learn about other cultures and religions, including trips to a range of places of worship.  There will be opportunities for pupils to learn about democracy through the planned school council. The school also intends to build on their existing relationship with the local MP so that he can visit the school to talk to pupils about public institutions and the importance of voting.  There are curriculum and assembly plans to ensure that pupils have an awareness of

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Main inspection findings

the protected characteristics and why they are enshrined in law through the Equalities Act (2010).  Leaders plan that personal development will be taught every day to support pupils to be prepared for life after school and to help build their confidence and resilience. There is also a programme of assemblies to address key topics such as criminal exploitation, drugs and alcohol and healthy relationships. There will be opportunity for discussion following assemblies with pupils and their tutors. Leaders have ensured that where external visitors speak with children, they hear a balance of views.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The school has an appropriate safeguarding policy that will be made available to parents via the school website. It is up to date with the latest statutory guidance.  The safeguarding policy sets out the contextual risks that pupils attending the school

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Main inspection findings

could face and provides information on what staff should be alert to. The policy sets out expectations for all stakeholders and is clear about how staff should respond to a safeguarding concern.  The policy contains the relevant contact details for support from the local authorities that the school intends to work with.  A system is in place for recording safeguarding concerns. All reports will be read by the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) so that action is timely. Paragraphs 9, 9(a), 9(b), 9(c), 10  The school has a carefully considered behaviour policy that is based on a collection of research that has contributed to each element of the policy. The policy promotes a positive behaviour culture and restorative practice when pupils do not reach the expectations of the policy.  The policy sets out a small range of sanctions. The school intends to follow government guidance on managing behaviour in schools.

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Main inspection findings

 The school has purchased a system for recording pupils’ behaviour. This includes positive and negative behaviours. The system has been chosen specifically to support communication between home and school because it enables parents to swiftly receive information about their child.  There is a comprehensive antibullying policy in place which makes clear that any form of bullying is unacceptable. It sets out how the school will deal with any incidents of bullying. Paragraph 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 16(a), 16(b)  The health and safety policy is clear and sets out the expectations for ensuring that the building is well maintained and pupils and staff are kept safe. From touring the site, there were no obvious hazards in place. Fire signage is clear and fire exits are free from obstruction.  The proprietor has ensured that appropriate checks and tests are carried out on fire safety equipment, which are positioned appropriately around the school. There is a

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Main inspection findings

clear programme of health and safety checks in place and external contractors are used as required. If the school opens, there will be regular fire drills to ensure pupils are clear about what do in the event of an emergency.  The proprietor intends that the ratio of staff to pupils will be one to five. However, this is dependent on the needs of pupils and may be increased to one to four. Pupils will be supervised at all times, including during social times,  The proprietor has an admissions register ready to record pupils’ details should the school open. Appropriate arrangements are in place for recording pupils’ attendance.  There is a risk assessment policy in place which sets out how and when risk assessments should be carried out. Accompanying risk assessments for subject specific risks, such as using chemical and visits and trips, are sufficiently detailed to reduce risks to pupils and staff. Risk assessments will be carried out for individual

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Main inspection findings

pupils as required.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 17, 18(1), 18(2), 18(2)(a), 18(2)(b), 18(2)(c), 18(2)(c)(i), 18(2)(c)(ii), 18(2)(c)(iii), 18(2)(c)(iv), 18(2)(d), 18(2)(e), 18(2)(f), 18(3)  The proprietor has ensured that all required checks are carried out on staff have been employed in anticipation of the school opening. These checks are in line with the standards and the requirements of Keeping Children Safe in Education (2025).  Leaders do not intend to employ supply staff. Paragraph 20(6), 20(6)(a), 20(6)(a)(i), 20(6)(a)(ii), 20(6)(b), 20(6)(b)(i), 20(6)(b)(ii), 20(6)(b)(iii), 20(6)(c)  The proprietor body consists of two individuals. All appropriate checks have been carried out to ensure that they are appropriate for the proprietor role. Paragraph 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a), 21(3)(a)(i), 21(3)(a)(ii), 21(3)(a)(iii), 21(3)(a)(iv), 21(3)(a)(v), 21(3)(a)(vi), 21(3)(a)(vii), 21(3)(a)(viii), 21(3)(b), 21(6)

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Main inspection findings

 Leaders have ensured that there is a single central record of all checks in place. Where staff are currently employed in anticipation of the school opening, their details have been accurately recorded.  This single central record is stored electronically and will be regularly checked by the DSL and the headteacher.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 22, 23(1), 23(1)(a), 23(1)(b), 23(1)(c), 23(2), 24(1), 24(1)(a), 24(1)(b), 24(2), 25, 26, 27, 27(a), 27(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a), 28(1)(b), 28(1)(c), 28(1)(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a), 28(2)(b)  There are suitable toilets available for pupils to use. These are single-sex toilets. There are two additional, individual accessible toilets that can be secured from the inside. There are suitable washing facilities in each and the water temperature is controlled by individual thermostatic units. The temperature of the water does not

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Main inspection findings

pose a scalding risk.  The proprietor intends for physical education (PE) to take place offsite. There are contracts in place with local facilities where changing rooms are available. There is sufficient space for pupils to change in school, should PE be moved on site.  There is a shower that is in full working order available for pupils to use if required. The door can be secured from the inside.  A suitable space has been provided for the medical room. It will solely be used for this purpose and so is readily available. It contains a bed, a sink and a lockable medical cabinet and is near to a toilet.  The school building is in a former primary school. There are spacious classrooms and some smaller spaces that can be used for small group or one-to-one working. There is a large central area that will be used to welcome pupils to the school and as a social area. The lighting and acoustics are appropriate.

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Main inspection findings

 The building and surrounding grounds are well maintained. There is a planned programme of upgrades should the school open. These are to modernise the building and expand the curriculum offer.  External lighting is in place and working. Paragraph 29(1), 29(1)(a), 29(1)(b)  There is sufficient space outside for pupils to socialise and play. There is some outdoor seating for pupils to use. There is a field and beyond that, space for horticulture. There are plans for further development of this area should the school open.  The site is secure with the proprietor having installed additional security fencing and gates. These gates are locked during the day.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a), 32(1)(b), 32(1)(c), 32(1)(f), 32(1)(g), 32(1)(h), 32(1)(i), 32(1)(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a), 32(2)(b), 32(2)(b)(ii), 32(2)(c), 32(2)(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a),

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Main inspection findings

32(3)(b), 32(3)(c), 32(3)(d), 32(3)(e), 32(3)(f), 32(3)(g)  There is a website under construction, where the proprietor intends for the policies to be made available to parents. All policies are currently available upon request.  Contact details as required by the standards are in place on this website for when it goes live.  There are plans in place for termly reporting to parents about the progress and attainment their child is making. Pupils who have an education, health and care plan will also have regular reviews of this.  The proprietor is aware of its responsibility for annual accounts to commissioning local authorities and has plans in place to produce this.  All policies as required by the standards are in place.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a), 33(b), 33(c), 33(d), 33(e), 33(f), 33(g), 33(h), 33(i), 33(i)(i),

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Main inspection findings

33(i)(ii), 33(j), 33(j)(i), 33(j)(ii), 33(k)  There is a complaints policy that sets out to parents what to do if they wish to make a complaint. The structure follows all the requirements of the standards and timescales are clear.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a), 34(1)(b), 34(1)(c)  Leaders have a wide range of experience in school leadership, teaching and learning and in independent schools. They have the required knowledge and expertise to ensure compliance with the standards. Leaders intend to appoint a qualified special educational needs coordinator.  Through the curriculum in place and the policies that are ready to be implemented, leaders intend to actively promote the well-being of pupils. Pupils spoken with during this inspection were confident to talk to inspectors and positive about their experience

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Main inspection findings

in school.  The standards in this part are likely to be met. Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The school has an accessibility plan in place which contains appropriate actions to increase access to the physical environment, curriculum and information for people with a disability. There are ambitious plans for the school site.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is likely to meet the requirements of the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 (‘the independent school standards’) and associated requirements.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Email address Sam.walton@headstart-education.com

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Proposed school details

Provider already operating Number of pupils of compulsory school age Up to 20 Number of pupils of compulsory school age who have an education, health and care plan, or who are looked after by a local authority Up to 20

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Proposed school details

Total hours operating as a school per week Up to 25

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Proposed school details

Total hours of teaching provided per week Up to 25

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n

Age range of pupils N/A 11-16 11-16 Number of pupils on the school roll N/A 50 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Gender of pupils N/A Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age N/A 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities N/A 50

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils with an education, health and care plan N/A 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with an education, health and care plan N/A 20

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff N/A 12

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School’s current position School’s proposal

Number of part-time teaching staff N/A 0

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Information about this proposed school

 The school is located in a former primary school building in the East Hartford area of Cramlington, Northumberland. This will be the only premises where the school will operate from.  The school proposes to meet the needs of a variety of pupils with or without special educational needs who are at risk of permanent exclusion.  The range of special educational needs that the school intends to cater for, are pupils with cognitive and learning needs, autism, social, emotional and mental health needs, physical disability and moderate learning difficulty, severe learning difficulty and specific learning disabilities.

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Information about this inspection

 This inspection was commissioned by the DfE to check whether the school is likely to meet the independent school standards, should it open.  This was the first pre-registration inspection.  There is currently an alternative provision operating from this site. During this inspection, pupils were available to speak to and lessons were visited by inspectors.  Inspectors met with the chair of the proprietor body, the proposed headteacher, staff and pupils.  Inspectors reviewed all policies and documents associated with the independent school standards. They toured the premises and visited the other proposed sites that the school will use for teaching.  Inspectors checked the single central record and staff safeguarding certificates.

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Inspection team

Debbie Redshaw, lead inspector Ofsted Inspector

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Inspection team

Bernard Clark Ofsted Inspector guidance ‘Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted’, which is available from Ofsted’s website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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Inspection team

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