We visit an alternative Staffordshire school with a headteacher that challenges stereotypes

A Staffordshire school is challenging the stereotypes surrounding pupil referral units after celebrating a successful year in which every Year 11 leaver secured a destination in education, employment or training.

Chaselea Academy, which supports young people from Cannock and South Staffordshire, has reported that none of its summer leavers became NEET – not in education, employment or training – while every pupil achieved GCSEs in English and maths.

Headteacher Mr Paul Archer says the achievements demonstrate what is possible when vulnerable young people are given the understanding, support and opportunities they need to succeed.

He is now hoping to challenge misconceptions about alternative provision and highlight the work being carried out by staff to help pupils overcome barriers to education.

The academy, based in Avon Road, Cannock, caters for pupils aged 11 to 16 who have struggled in mainstream education, primarily because of social, emotional and mental health needs.

Mr Archer said: "What I am desperately trying to do is break the myth and stereotypes that surround pupil referral units and alternative provision.

"We are a school with young people attending every day just like any other school – after all, each of these young people came from secondary mainstream education."

He explained that many pupils arrive at Chaselea having experienced trauma, disadvantage and feelings of rejection, with additional educational needs that may previously have gone unidentified or undiagnosed.

But he said the dedication of staff, combined with an emphasis on building positive relationships, helps young people rediscover their confidence and achieve their potential.

He added: "My amazing staff then work their magic by showing love, understanding, empathy, compassion, patience and hope.

"By working together and believing it is possible we all succeed. It is all about relationships and that takes time but it makes it all possible."

The academy's latest GCSE results have provided further cause for celebration, with every pupil achieving a GCSE in English, maths and art.

All but one pupil also achieved two GCSEs in science, while most secured a GCSE in religious education alongside a range of Level 1 and Level 2 vocational qualifications.

Crucially, every pupil leaving Year 11 this summer has secured a destination in education, employment or training.

Mr Archer said the achievement was particularly significant against the backdrop of national concerns about the number of young people becoming NEET.

He said: "Against the backdrop of the country's concerns about the number of young people not in education, employment or training; it is brilliant that in a PRU with all the pupil's SEMH needs we have zero NEETS.

"Every pupil has a destination when they leave statutory education."

The school has also supported more than ten pupils in securing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and moving into specialist provision.

Meanwhile, working in partnership with two high schools, Chaselea has successfully reintegrated two pupils into mainstream education.

The academy's work has also been recognised following a successful Ofsted inspection, with Mr Archer reporting that inspectors judged the school to be meeting the strong standard in five areas and the expected standard in one.

He said the outcome was another reason to celebrate the achievements of both pupils and staff.

Chaselea is part of the Manor Hall Academy Trust and works closely with Bailey Street Alternative Provision Academy in Stafford, sharing an approach which places pupils at the centre of its work.

However, Mr Archer said the school continues to face funding challenges and believes additional resources would allow it to provide even greater support to local families.

He said: "I don't say this to brag or attain badges, I say this to show what is possible despite the funding challenges of being an under-funded PRU within Staffordshire.

"Imagine what more benefits we could provide to the families and the community were we funded with both equality and equity."

Looking ahead, the academy is hoping to strengthen its links with the wider community and expand the support available to young people and families across Cannock and South Staffordshire.

Mr Archer hopes that sharing the school's achievements will encourage people to look beyond the stereotypes often associated with pupil referral units and recognise the potential of the young people attending them.

For Chaselea, the message is reflected in the academy's motto: "Together. Believe. Succeed."

More information about the school is available on the Chaselea Alternative Provision Academy website.