Study centre

The study centre is the LA's provision for children educated outside mainstream school. The emphasis for younger children is on preparation for re-integration into mainstream school wherever possible; for older students the focus is on preparation for college, work and/or training. The centre is currently situated on two sites, Cavendish (key stage 3/year 10) and Longfield (key stage 4).

Pupils who are referred have experienced a range of problems and, in the main, have not had a successful experience at school. The study centre offers a core curriculum and additional options. The majority of pupils have been excluded from mainstream school, though an increasing number of pupils are now referred by their school as 'at risk' of exclusion. For younger pupils, programmes are designed in partnership with their high schools, which often involves dual registration with the referring school and the study centre. Some students are referred because of severe attendance difficulties and/or refusal to attend school. There is an emphasis at key stage 4 on gaining accreditation through examination courses whereve possible. Many key stage 4 students now attend college link courses designed to offer vocational modules and accreditation.

The pupil support team - Boston site (Hanwell) and the hospital school caters for any primary aged children with similar difficulties. It also providies tuition for secondary pupils who are ill or phobic and where the two key stage sites would not meet their needs. Secondary pupils who receive individual tuition are often reintegrated to the key stage three site before making the move back to school.

Head of centre: Tracie McNeil
Tel: (020) 8991 9590
Fax: (020) 8566 8538