Education life hack: Peterborough
The essential nitty-gritty info on schools, college and education in the city
What is an ‘academy’?
Academies are publicly funded independent schools. Academies don’t have to follow the national curriculum and can set their own term times. They still have to follow the same rules on admissions, special educational needs and exclusions as other state schools. Academies get money direct from the government, not the local council, and are run by an academy trust which employs the staff. Some academies have sponsors such as businesses, universities, other schools, faith groups or voluntary groups. Sponsors are responsible for improving the performance of their schools. Examples of this type of school in Peterborough are Thomas Deacon Academy, Stanground Academy and Fulbridge Academy (primary). ■ For more information on types of school, visit www.gov.uk/types-of-school
Special educational needs – the Local Offer
Peterborough’s Local Offer (LO) is aimed at providing better support and services for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities and their families. It has been developed in close partnership with Family Voice (Peterborough’s Parent Carer Forum) and with a wide range of service providers. Its aim is to help children, young people and families to be informed about what is available and therefore better equipped to make choices. In this one place, you can find information about: ■ Special educational provision. ■ Health services. ■ Social care services. ■ Other educational provision. ■ Training. ■ Travel arrangements for children and young people to schools, colleges and early years education settings. ■ Preparing for adulthood, including housing and employment. ■ Leisure and social opportunities. ■ For more information on special educational needs, including the LO, visit www.peterborough.gov.uk/ residents/special-educational-needs
You may also wish to know about… Phoenix School, Orton Goldhay
The Phoenix School was established in September 2004 through the merger of two established special schools within the city of Peterborough. It is a day special school which caters for boys and girls between the ages of two and nineteen years of age who have learning difficulties which may be severe or profound and multiple. It also has provision for children with autism, children with multi-sensory impairment, high complex medical needs and challenging behaviour. ■ For more information, visit www.phoenix.peterborough.sch.uk
Children’s University
The Children’s University is a national project which recognises the achievements of young people who take part in high quality out of hours learning activities. These activities can be run at a school as an after-school club or may be offered by other Learning Destinations, such as a museum, library or community club. The aim of the Children’s University is to raise the aspirations of our young people by introducing them to a wide range of quality learning opportunities and a love of lifelong learning. The students achievements are celebrated and rewarded through certificates which they receive for completing 30, 65 and 100 hours of participation in validated activities. Bronze certificates are awarded in school assemblies but Silver and Gold certificates will be presented at local graduation ceremonies. In Peterborough, the age range for Children’s University is 7-14 but there are plans to develop a similar programme for younger and older students, linked in with external accreditation bodies. Modules currently offered at other Children’s Universities range from Archaeological Detectives and Scriptwriting to Football Refereeing and Djing. ■ If your school or organisation would like to find out more about becoming involved with the Peterborough Children’s University, please contact the CU Manager Lisa Thomas: or on 01733 209877, www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
For parents – Peterborough Education Network
If you are a parent looking for a school place, need information on school admissions or simply want to know more about the education provision in the city, Peterborough Education Network is the perfect place to start. This online resource includes a complete A-Z list of schools with contact details and links to their websites – as well as information for teachers seeking new posts. www.peterborougheducationnetwork.co.uk
For students – Youth Access Hub
For anyone aged 16-18 who needs advice on jobsearch, CV writing, interview skills, employment options, benefits, housing and more, the Youth Access Hub at City College Peterborough offers a free drop-in service. Normal opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1pm-5pm Simply pop in or phone (01733) 864500 or 293897, email yah@ citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk ■ City College Peterborough, Brook Street, Peterborough PE1 1TU www.citycollegepeterborough.ac.uk
