Purple Oaks Academy (Special)

Purple Oaks Academy is a special all-through school for 100 pupils aged 4-18 years in West Northamptonshire. It's part of the Greenwood Academies Trust.

Type: Specialist School

Age Range: EYFS-KS5 (including Post-16)

Primary Areas of Need:

• Communication and Interaction (Autism)
• Cognition and Learning (Severe Learning Difficulties)

Children Most Likely to be Considered for Admission

• Severe learning difficulties
• Significant communication needs
• Autistic learners well below age expectations

What Does the Provision Offer?

• Small classes
• Low arousal environment
• Communication-focused teaching
• Sensory room
• 1:4 staff ratio in primary
• 1:5 staff ratio in secondary

Not suitable for children who

• Can access mainstream curriculum with minimal support

Curriculum and Learning

Personalised pathways and Preparation for Adulthood. A small number of older pupils may access GCSE or Level 2 qualifications where appropriate.

Mainstream Inclusion

No mainstream inclusion. Specialist school.

Key Things for Parents to Know

• Purple Oaks is a specialist school for children with both significant learning difficulties and communication needs.
• Most pupils are autistic and require highly structured support throughout the school day.
• The school uses a low-arousal approach, helping to reduce anxiety and support engagement in learning.
• Classes are small, with high levels of adult support.
• Most pupils follow personalised learning pathways rather than age-related curriculum expectations.

All pupils will have an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) Plan. The Local Authority will have identified their needs as requiring placement at Purple Oaks Academy.

Post 16@The Hub:

The Hub is a specialist Post-16 provision (20 places) for pupils with a diagnosis of autism and/or severe learning disabilities (and an EHCP in place). It is designed for pupils who need a gentler step into post-16 education, rather than moving straight into a larger college environment.

The Hub provides a learning environment that is calm, structured, and supportive. The smaller setting ensures that every pupil is known as an individual and feel safe, settled, happy, and confident. Staff are ambitious for pupils and support them to move forward at the right pace. They want pupils to feel ready for their future, whatever that may be.

The Hub helps pupils to:

• Build independence in everyday life
• Develop communication and social confidence
• Improve emotional wellbeing
• Explore future pathways, including further education, work or supported living

The Hub works closely with parents and carers, sharing progress and ensuring every young person is supported throughout their journey. It also works with different groups in the community as well as local employers to provide valuable work experience.

Pupils learn through four continuous strands:

• Core Learning
• Enrichment
• Life Skills
• Vocational Studies

Pupils can work towards:

• AQA Unit Awards (Pre-Entry and Entry Level)
• BTEC Introductory / Level 1 Awards or Certificates

Assistant Head: Susan McHale (smchale@purpleoaksacademy.org)

Resources:

• SEND Information Report (link)

Additional Information:

SENCo: Helena Bull (Hbull@purpleoaksacademy.org)