The Empower Academy

The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 1 The Empower Academy Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington WA2 7NE

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report:

Overall outcome The school is likely to meet all the independent school standards if it is registered

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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 of 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

At the time of inspection, the trust had recently appointed an interim chair of the proprietor body. Leaders from the trust, alongside the headteacher, demonstrated the knowledge and skills that are required to ensure that the independent school standards (‘the standards’) are consistently met. They showed a secure understanding of the expectations placed on an independent school and were able to articulate how the proposed provision will meet statutory requirements across key areas such as curriculum, safeguarding and leadership.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The trust recognises that the interim chair of the proprietor body is new to the role and requires ongoing training to develop the full range of skills that are needed to oversee an independent school. Appropriate plans are already in place to ensure that this training is delivered and that the chair is supported to carry out their responsibilities effectively. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 2 In addition, the trust’s successful leadership of other mainstream schools demonstrates clear capacity and expertise to deliver an effective curriculum and pastoral care. For instance, leaders have a track record of designing and implementing effective curriculum models and securing improvement across a range of settings. This experience provides confidence that they have the skills that are required to establish and sustain a successful curriculum within the proposed school.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the Department for Education (DfE) decides to register the provider as an independent school.

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Curriculum

The proprietor intends to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum that reflects the trust’s ‘curriculum for excellence policy’. The proposed school has set out detailed curriculum plans that clarify the specific knowledge that pupils should learn and remember across linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical, aesthetic and creative areas.

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Curriculum

A clear written curriculum policy is in place. Current plans outline key content, sequencing, assessment approaches and the required resources to deliver subject content. However, leaders intend to further refine the schemes of work so that they consider pupils’ starting points once they know more about the pupils that they will serve. They intend to define clear milestones for progress for these pupils and to tailor this curriculum once gaps in pupils’ learning and starting points are fully understood.

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Curriculum

The headteacher has identified a clear and appropriate reading assessment and support programme for pupils at the early stages of learning to read.

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Teaching

The proprietor intends to employ qualified staff to deliver the curriculum and has set out plans to ensure that teachers have the necessary subject knowledge to teach effectively. Where staff may teach outside their specialist area, the proprietor intends to provide targeted professional development so that teachers gain the expertise required to deliver the curriculum with confidence and accuracy. Leaders have produced guidance to help staff meet pupils’ needs, including the needs of pupils with additional vulnerabilities, low starting points or social, emotional and mental health needs. This guidance is designed to help teachers adapt their practice so that pupils can access the curriculum successfully and make sustained progress. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 3 In addition, leaders intend for teaching to actively promote pupils’ understanding of fundamental British values. Staff will be supported to embed these principles

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Teaching

through the wider personal development offer and daily routines. The trust’s wider experience of leading successful mainstream schools further strengthens confidence in their ability to establish high ‑ quality teaching by drawing on the trust’s resources and expertise.

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Assessment

The proprietor has established a clear and well ‑ structured approach to assessment that sets out how teachers will check pupils’ learning and use this information to inform teaching. The proposed school has developed an assessment policy that outlines the strategies teachers will use in the classroom and how these will support pupils with varied starting points and additional needs.

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Assessment

Leaders have considered how assessment will operate in practice. They have considered how staff will gather meaningful information about pupils’ starting points and how this will be used to determine the appropriate curriculum and support for pupils. The approach is designed to help teachers identify gaps in learning and adjust teaching as well as monitor the impact of the curriculum over time.

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Assessment

The proprietor has ensured that 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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pupils

The proposed school has set out a clear plan to promote pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Leaders intend to use the curriculum and wider activities to build pupils’ confidence and social responsibility.

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pupils

The proprietor intends to promote fundamental British values through planned experiences, external visits and engagement with external speakers. Leaders plan to use a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom to help pupils understand diversity and recognise the value of different cultures and beliefs. Pupils will take part in activities such as outdoor education, museum and library visits, volunteering, charity projects, nature walks and cultural experiences including visits to theatres, art galleries and places of worship. Careers encounters, vocational visits and practical life skills activities such as cooking, budgeting and enterprise projects will be offered to further broaden pupils’ understanding of the wider world and prepare them for adulthood. The proprietor also intends to provide structured opportunities for pupils to explore current affairs and debate The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 4

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pupils

contrasting viewpoints. The proprietor will ensure that pupils are not exposed to partisan political or religious views.

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pupils

The proprietor has ensured that 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 has a safeguarding policy that follows current government guidance. The proprietor intends to publish this policy on the school’s website once the website is launched.

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Safeguarding

The proprietor has ensured that relevant school and trust leaders have completed the training needed to oversee safeguarding arrangements. The headteacher is expected to take on the role of designated safeguarding lead. Leaders have planned appropriate training to ensure that they are fully qualified for this responsibility.

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Safeguarding

The school intends to use an electronic system for recording safeguarding concerns, actions taken, progress reviews and any follow ‑ up. This will help leaders respond quickly to issues and maintain clear oversight of pupils’ safety.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor plans to employ enough staff to ensure that pupils are supervised safely throughout the school day. The trust intends to use this staffing structure to create calm routines and consistent responses to behaviour.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The proprietor has developed a behaviour policy that explains how staff will promote positive conduct and reinforce clear standards. It sets out how pupils will be recognised for meeting expectations and how staff will respond when behaviour falls short of these expectations. Leaders want pupils to understand the consequences of their actions and learn how to make better choices, particularly as many may join with previous disrupted education.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

The school has established a system for recording behaviour incidents. School and trust leaders plan to review this information regularly so that they can identify patterns early and intervene or adjust support where needed.

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Behaviour and supervision of pupils

Staff will receive training in approaches that reduce anxiety and help pupils to regulate their emotions. The proprietor intends to provide training for staff so that they understand when physical intervention may be required and that it is used The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 5 only when absolutely necessary. This training will help staff respond appropriately to any challenging situations that may occur.

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Anti-bullying

The proprietor has set out an anti ‑ bullying policy that makes clear that the school will not tolerate bullying. The policy outlines how staff will respond to concerns and how pupils will be supported to feel safe. Leaders intend to train staff so that they can recognise the early signs of bullying and act quickly to prevent issues from escalating. They also plan to teach pupils how to identify different types of bullying and ways to report any concerns that they may have.

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Anti-bullying

The proposed school aims to create a culture where pupils understand the importance of respecting others and showing kindness to each other. Leaders plan to use the curriculum and wider activities to help pupils to develop their ‘ENRICH’ values. They also intend to monitor incidents closely so they can identify trends and intervene effectively.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has appropriate first ‑ aid arrangements in place so that staff can respond quickly and appropriately to injuries and other medical emergencies. A suitable first aid policy is in place, along with a first aid box that contains the required equipment. Leaders plan to check these boxes regularly so that they remain fully stocked and ready for use.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proposed school occupies a leased building that is shared with other users. The proprietor has worked with the stadium owners to ensure that all health and safety requirements are met. Shared premises arrangements include agreed procedures so that staff, pupils and visitors can move safely around the site.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

The proprietor has ensured compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. A fire risk assessment is in place so that leaders can identify and reduce potential risks. Clear signage is displayed throughout the premises to enable staff, pupils and visitors to leave the building safely in an emergency. Signs also show the assembly point so that everyone knows where to gather once outside.

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Health and safety, fire and first aid

Appropriate health and safety policies intend to guide staff on how to maintain a safe environment. These policies will allow leaders to monitor risk and ensure that the site remains secure. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 6

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor has established a suitable admissions and attendance policy. These policies show a clear commitment to working closely with parents and carers and the local authority. Leaders intend to share information promptly so that pupils settle quickly and understand routines from the outset.

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Admissions and attendance

The proprietor aims to identify barriers that may prevent some pupils from attending well. School and trust leaders plan to use attendance information so that they can identify concerns early and provide support that enables pupils to attend regularly. This includes working with families and external professionals to remove obstacles and ensure that pupils engage with school life.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has established a suitable risk ‑ assessment policy so that staff understand how to identify and manage potential hazards. The proposed school has produced a wide range of risk assessments that cover the premises, shared areas and pupil activities. These assessments enable leaders to plan safe routines and reduce risks.

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Risk assessment

Leaders have ensured that risk assessments cover shared areas and joint use of facilities such as toilets, the concourse area and stadium grounds. These assessments enable staff to identify hazards and maintain safe routines when other users are present.

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Risk assessment

The proprietor has ensured that 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

The proprietor has established appropriate procedures so that all required employment checks are completed before staff begin work. The trust leaders have additional oversight of these processes. These checks include confirming staff’s medical fitness so that leaders can be confident that staff are able to carry out their roles safely. This requirement is built into the school’s recruitment processes.

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

The proprietor has ensured that section 128 checks under the Education and Skills Act 2008 are completed for all appropriate staff. These checks enable leaders to confirm that no individual is prohibited from managing a school. The proprietor understands this duty clearly and has taken the necessary action so that recruitment procedures meet statutory requirements. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 7 These arrangements enable the proprietor to maintain a safe environment and ensure that only suitable individuals are employed in the proposed school.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that safer recruitment procedures are in place so that statutory checks are completed before staff begin work. An electronic single central record enables leaders to monitor recruitment information efficiently and keep it up to date.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has already completed a range of required checks for itself and for 3 staff who are currently employed. These checks include right ‑ to ‑ work verification, prohibition from teaching checks and confirmation of qualifications.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

Relevant leaders have also completed safer ‑ recruitment training. This enables them to apply safer ‑ recruitment principles confidently when leading the appointment process. Their training supports the proprietor’s commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant approach to recruitment from the outset.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The school intends to recruit further staff as part of its expansion process, if the school is given permission to register.

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The single central record of these recruitment checks

The proprietor has ensured that 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 provides separate toilet facilities for pupils. These include 12 cubicles designed for single use and feature locks on the inside so that pupils have privacy and feel safe.

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and showers

Pupils will have access to drinking water throughout the day. The mains supply is labelled clearly so that pupils can identify safe drinking points.

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and showers

The proprietor has ensured that the water temperatures across all areas of the building are checked. These checks ensure that hot water does not pose a scalding risk to pupils. Clear signage at relevant points enables users to understand water temperature and use facilities safely.

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and showers

The proposed school has access to shower facilities on site. These facilities provide appropriate changing rooms and showers. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 8

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The proprietor has ensured that the school has suitable accommodation so that staff can meet pupils’ medical needs. The medical room is set up appropriately and ready for use. It contains a medical sofa bed that would allow pupils to rest or receive first aid in a calm and private space.

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Medical room and accommodation for pupils’ therapy needs

The medical room is located close to toilet and washing facilities. This location would enable pupils to access support quickly and would allow staff to manage medical needs efficiently.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor intends to operate within a self ‑ contained and accessible section of a stadium. This area includes a private entrance and exit, toilet facilities, a medical room, kitchen storage, 2 teaching classrooms and an intervention room. These spaces are arranged to enable safe movement around the site and effective small ‑ group teaching.

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Ensuring the health, safety and welfare of pupils

The proprietor has ensured that the premises are kept to an appropriate standard so that pupils can learn in a clean and well ‑ maintained environment. The accommodation provides organised spaces that support focused academic study. Classrooms are furnished appropriately and arranged to enable effective small ‑ group teaching.

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Lighting and acoustic conditions

Teaching spaces have suitable lighting and acoustic conditions, which help to create a calm learning environment. Classrooms are bright enough for the academic activities planned and provide appropriate lighting throughout the day. External lighting around the stadium site will enable safe movement to and from the building during darker hours.

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Outdoor space

The proposed school intends to make use of the stadium grounds and concourse areas as well as a local park for social and recreational time. The proprietor intends staff to supervise pupils as they walk to and from these locations.

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Outdoor space

The proprietor has ensured that the standards in this part are likely to be met if the DfE decides to register the provider as an independent school. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 9

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has established clear systems for sharing information with parents and carers and placing authorities. Leaders will use a dedicated school website to publish essential details about the school, including its aims, curriculum overview and safeguarding arrangements. Once launched, the website will also provide access to statutory policies and contact information so that parents can obtain key documents easily. Leaders understand that any future inspection reports must be made publicly available.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has set up procedures for responding to information requests from commissioning authorities and other professionals. Leaders recognise their duty to provide academic records, attendance information and safeguarding documentation when pupils move to another setting. They also understand the requirement to issue annual written reports to parents about pupils’ progress.

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Part 6. Provision of information

The proprietor has ensured that 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 proprietor has developed an appropriate and accessible complaints policy that explains how parents can raise concerns and how the school will respond. The policy outlines each stage of the process and sets out the expected timescales so that families know what to expect. Leaders intend to publish this policy on the dedicated school website once it is launched.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

Leaders have established systems for recording all formal complaints. This includes the actions taken and the final outcomes. These records will help school and trust leaders to identify any recurring issues and maintain transparency in how concerns are managed. Leaders also understand the need to retain evidence of external involvement where relevant.

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Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled

The proprietor has ensured that 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 proprietor has prepared a suitable accessibility plan that outlines how the school will meet its duties under Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010. The plan identifies practical steps that leaders intend to take to reduce barriers for pupils and families. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 10

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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

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

The inspector spoke with the chair of the proprietor body, the headteacher, chair of the governing body, director of education and the chief executive officer of the trust during the inspection. The inspector also spoke with the stadium’s estate management team and other trust leaders about health and safety and fire risk assessments.

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About this inspection

This was the proposed school’s first pre-registration inspection.

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About this inspection

The proprietor has appointed a headteacher, 2 teachers and one teaching assistant and intends to appoint further teaching and support staff.

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About this inspection

The inspector made a tour of the site, both internally and externally, to check the suitability and safety of the premises.

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About this inspection

The inspector viewed a wide range of documents provided by the headteacher, including safeguarding information, statutory policies and the proposed school’s curriculum.

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About this inspection

It is proposed that the school will provide full-time education for up to 26 pupils aged 11 to 16. It is intended that the proposed school will cater for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, autism, and social, communication and language needs. It is expected that pupils will have an education, health and care plan.

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About this inspection

The proprietor does not intend to make use of any alternative provision.

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About this inspection

The proposed school intends to operate from a self-contained unit located at Halliwell Jones Stadium, Mike Gregory Way, Warrington, WA2 7NE. The premises comprise 2 classrooms and one intervention room. In addition, the premises includes toilets, a medical room, concourse play area, showers and stadium grounds. The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 11 The proprietor is registered at Companies House. The interim chair of the proprietor body is Stephen Whatmore.

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About this inspection

The proposed chair of governors is Adam McMillan. The proprietor intends to have a full governing body in place by the time the school is registered to open to pupils.

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About this proposed school

Proprietor body The Challenge Academy Trust Chair of the proprietor body Stephen Whatmore (interim chair) Headteacher Andrew Hawley Type of school Independent school Capacity 26

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Provider’s proposal: 0

Annual fees for day pupils £16,800 to £20,000 Email address a.hawley@tcat.uk.com The Empower Academy, 23 July 2026 12 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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Provider’s proposal: 0

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Provider’s proposal: 0

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Provider’s proposal: 0

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