School to be built for pupils at risk of exclusion

A site for the school has not yet been chosen

A new school for children at risk of permanent exclusion is set to be built.

The government has approved plans for the facility, called Sulis Academy, to be built in the Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) area to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable children.

The region's first alternative provision will support students to rejoin mainstream education or move towards employment.

Councillor Paul May said: “Just like parents and carers, we want to make sure our children and young people get the best education and start in life that they can."

Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership (MNSP) Trust, which will manage the school, created the application with BANES Council and said the school would provide full-time education to "vulnerable children" who would otherwise not receive it.

The trust will now work with the Department for Education to locate a site and deliver the building.

'Help young people thrive'

The proposals include outreach provision to intervene and help pupils still attending mainstream schools to avoid exclusion.

Staff will also provide specialist knowledge and support for other local schools and partners.

Mr May, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “We look forward to working with the Midsomer Norton Partnership Trust and the government to make sure Sulis Academy is an excellent provision that helps young people in our area to thrive.”

Alun Williams, CEO of Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership added: “The area really needs a school of this kind to support children across all age ranges, so that they can remain in school, achieve well and go on to have successful lives.