Southway Independent School

Hope and healthy relationships are the organising ideas behind Southway Independent School. It began as a pilot supporting Leeds' work to reduce permanent exclusions before becoming independent, and now serves pupils whose behavioural, social, emotional and mental health needs can make mainstream education difficult to access. The setting works across Key Stages 3 and 4 with a deliberately tailored approach.

Attendance and previous experience of education may have been disrupted, so the curriculum combines alternative-provision practice with elements of mainstream study. English, mathematics, science, PSHE, relationships and sex education, contextual learning and resilience all feature. The admissions process operates throughout the year, reflecting placements whose timing and length can vary.

Key Stage 4 pupils can work towards GCSEs in English language, English literature, mathematics and biology, alongside Level 1 and 2 options such as food and cookery, art and design, music technology, and personal exercise, health and nutrition. Partnerships with Leeds College of Building and The Hunslet Club extend the programme into practical learning, while outdoor education, sport, boxing and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award add further routes into participation.

Referrals can come through the Leeds SEMH Pathways Panel, Area Inclusion Partnerships or participating schools. Pupils remain on their mainstream school's roll while placed at Southway, and placement planning includes an appropriate exit strategy. The registered mixed independent setting is on Middleton Road in south Leeds, with no sixth form and an age range of 11 to 16.