Fulcrum Education

Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 1 Fulcrum Education Acklam Road, Middlesbrough TS5 4EQ

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered. It is currently operating without registration.

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report:

The purpose of this inspection was to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the proposed school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards and associated requirements that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

When we carry out pre-registration inspections of proposed independent schools, we report on the provider’s likely compliance with part 8 of the independent school standards first. Under part 8, the proprietor is required to ensure that the school meets all the independent school standards consistently. The standard in part 8 is intended to ensure that the quality of leadership and management at the school is sufficient for that purpose.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The board of proprietors has given careful thought to the development of this provision. They propose to open an independent special school for pupils aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health needs and/or autism. All members of the board have experience in providing education for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Members of the proprietary board are also directors of a company, which runs another independent school in the local area. The chair of the board at Fulcrum Education Solutions Ltd. is currently the headteacher at this other school. There are clear plans in place to ensure that all leaders have increased capacity in the future, with the continued use of an external school improvement partner to quality assure continued improvements.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proposed school is situated in a disused medical centre and is set over 2 storeys. Previous concerns, raised at the time of the first pre-registration Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 2 inspection, around the sharing of the premises with a pharmacy have been addressed. The school is currently in the process of purchasing the lease for this property, to ensure that the school premises are secure. While the legal work is completed around this purchase, the board of proprietors have ensured that appropriate risk assessments are in place to mitigate any potential risks for pupils. Once purchased, the new building will not form any part of the proposed school. The proprietor recognises that a change of registration would be required if this building was to be incorporated into the school site.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor is currently running an alternative provision at the site. This provision will cease should the Department for Education register the proposed school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Current staffing highlights the careful decisions that have been made to ensure that the wellbeing of pupils is paramount in the school’s development. Members of staff, working in the provision, have secure knowledge of working with pupils with SEND. Leaders show high levels of commitment and experience. They have a clear vision of supporting pupils to access both academic and therapeutic learning.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has detailed knowledge of how to implement safeguarding requirements. This can be seen in the detailed and consistent way systems are implemented to report and act upon safeguarding concerns. The staff have extensive understanding of the pupils’ differing vulnerabilities and work closely with external agencies to keep pupils safe.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The board of proprietors have a secure knowledge of the independent school standards (the standards). All policies required to meet the standards are detailed and clear. They have developed systems by which to audit and ensure they have continuous oversight of them, to ensure that they can meet them consistently over time.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

The proposed school has ensured that there is a clear curriculum policy in place. This policy details the broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum plans in place to support learning across the appropriate subjects required to meet the standards. Consideration of how these plans will be adapted to meet the needs, abilities and experiences of the pupils is evident. Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 3 Alongside the academic curriculum, the proposed school intends to use therapeutic approaches to enable pupils to be better prepared for their future pathways, for example, by exploring their interests and identifying future career prospects in the well-equipped gym or a beauty room.

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Curriculum

The proposed school has ensured that they are compliant with statutory guidance regarding the teaching of relationship and sex education (RSE). The RSE policy details what will be taught and how it will be delivered. All parents and carers will be consulted about the policy prior to starting the school, through a personal meeting. Parental right to withdraw pupils from certain aspects of the curriculum will be clarified in this meeting. As there is no website currently, the policy will be made available to parents in the proposed school’s admission pack.

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Curriculum

The school is developing a positive careers framework for pupils, in line with the Gatsby benchmarks. This is tailored to individual pupil’s needs and includes purposeful activities, such as independent travel training. A member of staff is currently undergoing training to lead on careers advice in the future. Pupils currently attending the provision have all visited local colleges and been supported in learning about employability skills and volunteering activities.

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Curriculum

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Teaching

The board of proprietors has already appointed several teaching staff with qualified teacher status and other staff, who have experience of working with pupils with SEND. A member of the school’s senior leadership team is undertaking a professional qualification to become the school’s special educational needs coordinator (SENCo). The chair of the board of proprietors is using the SENCo from their own school to provide support and coaching for this role currently.

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Teaching

During the pre-registration inspection, the inspectors visited classrooms to observe the teaching of English and mathematics. During these visits, pupils were seen to be engaged in learning appropriately. They were interested in their learning.

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Teaching

Staff clearly knew the pupils’ needs well and adapted the learning effectively. A calm and purposeful environment was observed, aided by professional and caring staff.

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Assessment

The school has identified various pathways for pupils to achieve through the curriculum. The detailed admission pack aims to ensure that starting points are well understood and can be used alongside baseline assessments to ensure that Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 4 pupils access the correct pathway on entry. There is ambition to support all pupils to successfully gain entry level qualifications and be prepared for their next steps in learning, including gaining GCSEs where appropriate.

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Assessment

This standard is likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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pupils

The proprietors are clear about the intention to actively promote fundamental British values. They have placed the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils central to their programme for personal development.

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pupils

Leaders of the school model positivity and resilience for the pupils, to develop individual’s self-awareness, self-esteem and self-confidence. Staff show secure understanding of the variety of different needs the pupils currently attending the provision have. They use this knowledge effectively to support the pupils to manage their behaviour positively and show respect for others.

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pupils

Important themes that are relevant to the pupils at the time, such as learning to work together, are revisited regularly through the personal, social and health education curriculum. This curriculum highlights where important learning about areas, such as diversity of cultures or protected characteristics will be taught.

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pupils

Relationships within the local community are positive and developing. These will be further strengthened through the proposed curriculum.

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pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Safeguarding

The proposed school policy regarding safeguarding is clear and detailed. It contains reference to statutory guidance and will be made available to parents on the proposed school website.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor understands that safeguarding must be a priority for all staff. The designated safeguarding leads have completed relevant training. Systems are in place which ensure that staff receive regular training, linked to both local and national concerns. All staff have completed ‘Prevent’ duty training. Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 5

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed school has a detailed behaviour policy, which will be made available for parents on the proposed website. The policy focuses on positive reinforcement and ensuring that the correct support is in place for individual pupils. There is a recognition of each pupil’s additional needs on individual behaviour risk assessment and support plan. These documents are shared with staff appropriately to ensure that any support needed is implemented swiftly and consistently.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proposed school will continue to use the recording system currently utilised in the provision. Staff have been trained to record any issues consistently. Leaders use these records to analyse any behaviour incidents regularly.

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school has developed an anti-bullying policy that takes into account the needs of the pupils. This will be shared on the proposed website for parents.

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Anti-bullying

Pupils attending the provision currently did not report any concerns with bullying and identified that any concerns would be swiftly dealt with by staff, should they occur

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school is implementing a suitable health and safety policy. They have engaged an external provider to support them to ensure that relevant checks on the building are made regularly and that the policy is implemented successfully. Recent audits show no concerns and any areas for improvement are swiftly acted upon. The building is in a good state of repair.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

A fire risk assessment has recently been completed and issues actioned. There is fire evacuation information throughout the proposed school and fire marshals are appointed and trained. During the inspection, one of the fire routes was not easily accessible. This was rectified during the inspection and staff were issued with keys to ensure the route could be used quickly in the case of an emergency. Systems and procedures are in place to ensure regular checks on fire equipment are carried out.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

There is a first-aid policy in place, along with a policy outlining how medicines will be administered. Staff have received first-aid training, and all medical equipment is stored appropriately. Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 6 Staff supervise pupils closely at all points of the school day. The way some of the learning rooms and breakout spaces will be used is still being decided, to ensure that they best meet the needs of the pupils. Trained staff support pupils in the gymnasium and careful consideration is being given in the development of how the beauty room will be used. In lessons, pupils currently work in small groups or on a one-to-one basis. Key staff are identified for individual pupils, where this best supports the pupils currently in the provision.

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Admissions and attendance

The pupils currently attending the provision are all dual registered with a host school or are on agreed education package commissioned by the local authority. Admission registers are being used appropriately. The proposed admissions and attendance registers meet statutory requirements and are recorded on an electronic management system.

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Risk assessment

Since the previous pre-registration inspection, the proprietors have sought external support to improve the risk assessment systems and policies in the school. Issues identified with the shared building on site have been addressed through careful risk assessment documentation.

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Risk assessment

Other risk assessments, such as for the use of gym equipment, or the use of external sports facilities, are sufficiently detailed to ensure that procedures are well understood and followed to ensure pupils are safe.

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Risk assessment

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Those responsible for the maintenance of the single central record show good understanding of the checks that are needed on current and new members of staff and the importance of recording them accurately.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

All required checks have been completed for staff currently employed by the provision. There is secure understanding of how to seek guidance regarding the checks needed if someone who has been working abroad applies for a position in the school. Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 7 While the proposed school does not intend to use supply staff, there is a clear understanding of the checks that would need to be carried out if they used them in the future.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

Necessary checks have been carried out on the members of the board of proprietors. A number of staff members and proprietors have completed safer recruitment training.

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The recruitment checks made on staff, supply staff and the proprietor

One error in the designation of a regular visitor to the proposed school, from the proprietor’s school, was rectified during the inspection.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proposed school will continue to use the electronic single central record they have implemented for the current provision. This is used to record the necessary checks that have been completed on staff appointed to date.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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and showers

The proposed school has suitable toilet, changing and shower facilities available for pupils. Hot and cold water is checked regularly. The toilets are intended for single use and can be secured from the inside.

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and showers

The school proposes to use an off site sports provision for physical education (PE). This provision also has suitable changing facilities.

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and showers

There is appropriately labelled drinking water available for pupils throughout the building.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The medical room, available for the short-term treatment of pupils who may be ill is appropriate to its use. There is a permanent bed, a sink and a first-aid kit in the room. The medical room is situated next to a toilet. There is a locked medical cabinet available for the safe storage of medication. First-aid kits are maintained appropriately. Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 8

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The premises are maintained well. The rooms are clean and thought has been given into ensuring that some of the learning rooms are decorated in a way that is calming for pupils.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The site is securely fenced, and the land is maintained to a good standard.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The building which was owned by a pharmacy at the time of the last inspection is securely locked and cannot be entered from within the school. The proprietor has been taking actions to ensure that this building is kept free of vermin through the use of a pest control specialist. This had led to some vermin control boxes being placed in the outside area. While these were said to be empty and, therefore, did not represent a risk for pupils, these were relocated to a place not accessible to pupils during the inspection.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

The lighting and acoustics in all rooms are suitable for their purpose. Some rooms do not have windows; however, lighting is appropriate.

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Outdoor space

The proposed school has a grassed area that can be used for PE. The proprietor has plans to resurface this area with astroturf in the future. This is aimed at making it more accessible at all points of the year. There is also a well-equipped gym for pupils use with adult supervision.

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Outdoor space

At times of inclement weather, the proprietor has arranged to use 2 local sports provisions. Suitable risk assessments are in place for the transportation of pupils to and from these provisions and for their safe use of them.

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Outdoor space

Pupils can use the outside area for play as well as using a social space within the school, which has been equipped with suitable play resources.

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Outdoor space

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 9

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school intends to have a website, which will be used to share information and policies with parents.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The website will also include information about the proposed school’s academic performance and arrangements for admitting pupils, as well as any future inspection reports.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proposed school has created a format for an annual written report to parents, which will include information about pupil’s progress and attainment.

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Part 6. Provision of information

Contact information about the board of proprietors will be available on the website.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The school’s complaints policy is appropriate. It will be made available for parents on the school’s website. It complies with the requirements expected in the standards, with clear timescales for each stage of the complaints process.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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The school’s accessibility plan

The school’s accessibility plan meets the requirements of schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010.

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About this inspection

Inspectors carried out this inspection under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, at the request of the registration authority for independent schools. Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014.

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About this inspection

Inspectors checked the school’s likely compliance with the independent school standards. These are the requirements set out in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 10 Following our renewed inspection framework, all inspections are now led by His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) or by Ofsted Inspectors (OIs) who have previously served as HMIs.

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About this inspection

This was the second pre-registration inspection. The first inspection took place on 3 September 2025.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is in Middlesbrough. The school’s address is Acklam Road, Middlesbrough TS5 4EQ.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is located in a former medical centre.

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About this inspection

There is a disused building on the same site as the school. This was previously used as a pharmacy and is connected to the school’s building. The proposed school share a car park and a fire alarm system. The proprietary body of the school are currently awaiting legal completion of ownership of the lease of this building.

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About this inspection

The proprietor of the proposed school is Fulcrum Education Solutions Ltd. The chair of the board of proprietors, Stephen Morrison, is the headteacher of another independent school, Invested Education. The other 2 directors of Education Solutions Ltd. are also members of the board of proprietors of Invested Education.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to admit pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, specific and moderate learning difficulties and cognition and learning needs.

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About this inspection

The proposed school does not intend to use any alternative provision.

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About this inspection

During the inspection, inspectors met with the proposed school’s headteacher, the chair of the board of proprietors, the designated safeguarding lead, the office administrator and 2 other staff members, already appointed by the school.

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About this inspection

The proposed school is currently operating without provision, as an alternative education provider. At the time of the inspection, there were 19 pupils attending the provision part time. The first date of admission was January 2026. Some pupils, who attend this provision, are looked after by the local authority.

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About this inspection

During the inspection, 2 lessons were observed. An inspector also met with a group of pupils to discuss their experiences in the provision.

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Lead inspector

Andrea Batley His Majesty’s Inspector Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 11

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About this proposed school

Proprietor Fulcrum Education Solutions Ltd

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About this proposed school

Type of school Other independent special school

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compulsory school age on roll

Provider’s current position: 19 Provider’s proposal: 40

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compulsory school age on roll

Provider’s current position: 19 Provider’s proposal: 0

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disabilities on roll

Provider’s current position: 19 Provider’s proposal: 40

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authority

Provider’s current position: 9 Provider’s proposal: 40

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authority

Age range of pupils Provider’s current position: 11 to 16 Provider’s proposal: 11 to 16

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authority

Gender of pupils Provider’s current position: mixed Provider’s proposal: mixed

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per week

Provider’s current position: 22 hours 30 minutes Provider’s proposal: 22 hours 30 minutes

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per week

Provider’s current position: 22 hours Provider’s proposal: 22 hours

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teaching staff

Provider’s current position: 3 Provider’s proposal: 8 Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 12 Number of part-time teaching staff Provider’s current position: 0 Provider’s proposal: 0

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000

Email address stephen.morrison@fulcrumed.co.uk Fulcrum Education, 28 April 2026 13 providing education and skills for children and learners of all ages, and inspects and regulates services that care for children and young people

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000

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Annual fees for day pupils £45,000

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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