At St Paul’s Academy, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating a learning environment where every pupil, regardless of ability, background or circumstance, can thrive and succeed. Our policies and practices are designed to promote equality, celebrate diversity and remove barriers to learning. As part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility, we actively focus on increasing the extent to which disabled pupils participate in the curriculum, ensuring that all learners are supported to access high-quality teaching, enrichment opportunities and a broad, balanced education. Through collaboration, adaptation and high expectations, we work to ensure that every member of our community feels valued and able to achieve their full potential.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

At St Paul’s Academy, we are committed to identifying and meeting the needs of all pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). We work in partnership with pupils, parents, carers and external professionals to provide the right level of support and challenge for every learner. Our approach is rooted in early identification, targeted intervention and high-quality, differentiated teaching. Through individualised support plans, access to specialist resources and inclusive classroom practices, we aim to ensure that every pupil with SEND can access the full curriculum, make progress and achieve success both academically and personally.

Disadvantaged Pupils

We are determined to close the attainment gap and ensure equality of opportunity for all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or in receipt of Pupil Premium funding. Our provision focusses on removing barriers to learning through high-quality teaching, tailored academic support and enrichment opportunities. We closely monitor the progress and wellbeing of disadvantaged pupils, providing additional mentoring, targeted interventions and access to extracurricular activities. By fostering high aspirations and providing the resources needed to thrive, we aim to ensure that every child, regardless of background, can achieve their full potential.

Looked After and Previously Looked After Children

St Paul’s Academy recognises the unique challenges faced by looked after and previously looked after children. We provide a nurturing and stable environment where every pupil feels valued, supported and secure. Our Designated Teacher works closely with carers, social workers and virtual schools to coordinate effective support and to ensure that individual education plans are ambitious and achievable. We place a strong emphasis on emotional wellbeing, consistent relationships and academic achievement, enabling these pupils to flourish both in and beyond school.

Pupils with Disabilities

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and eliminating discrimination for pupils with disabilities. Our school environment, curriculum and extracurricular activities are designed to be accessible to all. We make reasonable adjustments to ensure that no pupil is disadvantaged by physical, sensory or learning needs. This includes providing appropriate resources, accessible facilities, assistive technologies and flexible teaching approaches. Through ongoing collaboration with families and specialists, we continuously review our provision to ensure every pupil can participate fully and feel included in all aspects of school life.