About Alternative Provision
Alternative Provision provides education for students who:
- are at risk of being permanently excluded
- do not fit into mainstream education
- have been permanently excluded
- refuse to attend school
- have a specific area of interest
It can also help re-engage students with their education. Our team works with various provisions in Enfield and nearby areas to offer opportunities for young people aged 11-16.
Advice service
We offer a free professional advice service to Enfield and out-of-borough schools and local authorities considering alternative provisions in Enfield.
The team
Mervin Cato, Head of Secondary Behaviour Support Service:
- Email: mervin.cato@enfield.gov.uk
- Telephone: 020 8132 0317
- Mobile: 07855 004 711
Ian Fordham, Schools Partnership Manager
- Email: ian.fordham@enfield.gov.uk
- Telephone: 020 8132 0314
- Mobile: 07943 533 350
Kathleen Sabet, Senior Operational Support Officer
- Email: kathleen.sabet@enfield.gov.uk
- Telephone: 020 8132 2325
Orchardside School
Location: 230 Bullsmoor Lane, Enfield, EN1 4RL
Age range: Year 7 to Year 11
Orchardside School is the pupil referral unit for the London Borough of Enfield.
Students come to Orchardside after having a difficult time at their previous school.
Orchardside School's aims
- Students get a high-quality learning experience every day
- Students are supported, inspired and motivated to enjoy learning again
- Personalised learning plans are tailored to each student’s needs
- The school provides a caring and supportive environment for all
Read the Ofsted Report.
Courses and placements
- Assessment centre placements: Placements are arranged through the local authority admissions team.
- Turnaround placements: For Year 7 and 8 students who need short-term support while staying connected to their regular school.
- Refocus placements: For Year 7 to 11 students who need short-term help, working alongside their mainstream school.
- At risk placements: For Year 7 to 11 students who need longer-term support, in partnership with their regular school.
- Permanent exclusion placements: For students who have been permanently excluded from their mainstream school.
How it works
Students are referred to Orchardside from their local secondary schools or from the Local Authority.
For more information, visit Orchardside School.
Academy 21
Location: online
Age range: Years 3 to 13
Academy 21 is an online education provider that supports over 5,000 students each year, including:
- students with Emotionally Based School Avoidance
- students with medical conditions
- those with challenging behaviours
- children in care
- teenage parents
Read the Ofsted report.
Courses offered
Academy 21 offer KS2, KS3, KS4 and KS5 courses. They all also offer wellbeing support and academic support.
For more details about the courses offered, visit Academy 21.
How it works
Students take part in live online lessons from home, school, or alternative provision center.
These lessons are taught by qualified and experienced teachers. They include activities like talking, writing, quizzes, and working in groups.
Students who are doing very well or finding the work difficult can get extra help.
Alternative Centre of Education
Location: 45-51 Market Square, Edmonton, London, N9 0TZ
Age range: Years 7 to 11
The Alternative Centre of Education helps students who have been excluded (or are at risk of being excluded), from regular schools.
Students can join at any time and can attend full-time or part-time, depending on what they need.
The school also supports students with an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Read the Ofsted Report.
Courses offered
The Alternative Centre of Education offer KS3 and KS4 courses.
For more details about the courses offered, visit ACE Alternative Provision.
How it works
The school offers group and one-to-one mentoring. These sessions help students understand their behaviour, make better choices, and plan for their future.
The aim is to help students believe in themselves and work towards their goals.
First Rung
Location: Ponders End Centre, 197-205 High Street, Ponders End, EN3 4DZ
Age range: Years 10 and 11
First Rung now only offer 2.5 days provision and will no longer offer full time placements.
First Rung has been supporting young people with work-based training for over 30 years.
Read the Ofsted report.
Courses offered
'Upload' offers Entry Level - Level 2 Functional Skills English, Maths and ICT, Level 1 vocational qualification in Business Admin, Customer Service or Childcare and Personal and Social Development.
For more details about the courses offered, visit First Rung.
How it works
Students can choose a timetable that fits their needs, whether full or part-time. The Uphold programme runs throughout the year, so students can join at any time.
Those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) can also be referred to the programme.
The main aim of First Rung is to help students develop the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to follow their chosen career path. They work closely with families and the local community to support each student’s progress.
Focus 1st Academy
Locations:
- Arnos Grove Campus, 339 Bowers Road, London , N11 1BA
- Cheshunt Campus, Laura Trott Leisure Centre, 44 Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 9AJ
- Welwyn Campus, Gosling Sport Park, Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6XE
Focus First Academy offers a diverse curriculum across Key Stages 3 and 4.
The curriculum is designed to provide both academic rigor and valuable vocational skills.
Read the Ofsted report.
Vocational Programmes (Key Stage 4)
Students can choose from popular vocational courses including Cookery, Music, Hair and Beauty and Barbering
Academic options (GCSE and Functional Skills)
The academy provide a full range of GCSE subjects including Maths, English, Science, ICT, Religious Studies, Physical Education and Art and Design (AQA) – alongside Functional Skills in Maths and English.
For more details about the courses offered, visit Focus 1st Academy.
Campus specialisation
- Cheshunt and Welwyn Campuses: Support for Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 students
- Arnos Grove Campus: Accepts Key Stage 4 referrals only
Footsteps Sports Academy
Location: White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre, White Hart Lane, N22 5QW
Age range: Years 8 to 11 (males only)
Footsteps Sports Academy is a place where young people can get a good education, learn job skills, and take part in sports and coaching.
The academy also offers support with lifestyle choices, careers, and personal wellbeing. The academy is for students who want to do well in school, improve themselves, succeed in sports, stay healthy, and feel good mentally.
Read the Ofsted report.
Courses offered
Footsteps Sports Academy offer a GCSE programme. Additionally, the sports academy offers FA Level 1 Coaching awards and Sports Leaders Awards to appropriate candidates. First Aid courses are also available for all students.
For more details about the courses offered, visit Footsteps Trust.
How it works
Students are expected to attend regularly, be on time, and do well in class. Their progress is tracked and shared with parents or guardians every week through a student information pack.
Each student signs a contract that explains what is expected of them and what the academy will provide.
Footsteps Vocational Academy
Location: T Chances Building, 399B High Road, Tottenham, London N17 6Q
Age range: Years 10 and 11 (females only)
Footsteps Vocational Academy offers education and recognised job-related training for young people. It supports students who want to succeed in school, grow personally, achieve in sports, stay physically healthy and feel mentally well.
The academy also provides lifestyle and career advice, along with counselling.
Read the Ofsted report.
Courses offered
Footsteps Vocational Academy offer a GCSE programme. Additionally, the vocational academy offers Level 1 and 2 Diplomas in Childcare and Hair and Beauty to appropriate candidates. First Aid courses are also available for all students.
For more details about the courses offered, visit Footsteps Trust.
How it works
Students are expected to attend regularly, be on time, and do well in class. Their progress is tracked and shared with parents or guardians every week through a student information pack.
Each student signs a contract that explains what is expected of them and what the academy will provide.
Hackney Boxing Academy
Location: 1 Monteagle Way, Hackney, London E5 8PH
Age range: Years 10 and 11
The Boxing Academy is a school that uses the discipline and structure of boxing to help young people who may find traditional education difficult. It helps students get fit, learn teamwork, manage anger, build discipline, and improve their confidence and focus.
Read the Ofsted report.
Courses offered
The Boxing Academy offer GCSEs,BTEC Level 1/2 Sport, AQA PSHE certification and ASDAN CoPE (Boxing Pathway) and Functional skills English and Maths English Language.
For more details about the courses offered, visit The Boxing Academy.
How it works
Each class has a dedicated boxing coach, called a 'pod leader', who supports students both in the gym and in the classroom. The pod leader builds strong relationships with the students and helps guide them through their learning and personal development.
The academy has a strong focus on discipline, achievement, and hard work. It provides a small and supportive environment with clear rules and a system of rewards and consequences.
Konrad Halls Centre – KS4 Alternative Provision
A supportive and therapeutic learning environment
Konrad Halls Centre provides a small, nurturing KS4 provision. The centre is for students who need more emotional and therapeutic support to re-engage with learning. We are on the Lea Valley school campus along Bullsmoor Lane in Enfield.
Who we support
We work with Year 11 students experiencing:
- anxiety or high stress
- emotionally Based School Non-Attendance
- adverse childhood experiences
- complex or developmental trauma
This provision is not typically for students at risk of permanent exclusion due to significant behaviour concerns.
What we offer
Personalised education
- GCSE and vocational pathways
- online learning through Academy21
- small, calm, supportive setting
Therapeutic support
- on-site therapists led by the Trust’s Educational Psychologist
- individualised therapeutic plans
- strategies to build confidence, resilience, and well-being
Referral process
Schools submit a completed referral form with parental permission.
A multi-disciplinary panel reviews each referral to make sure the provision meets the student’s needs.
Two-week induction
- Baseline and therapeutic assessments
- Observations in the home school
- Learner profile and personalised timetable created
- Student inducted and dual-registered
Creating pathways for the future
We help students feel safe, understood, and ready to succeed – academically, emotionally, and personally. At Konrad Halls Centre, every learner is supported to move forward with confidence.
For more information, visit Konrad Halls Centre.
Edact Enfield Ofsted reports:
Laurel Park Alternative Provision
A new path to success beyond the classroom – opened Autumn Term 2025
Our Monday day-release programs offer students the space to refocus and learn new skills. We want students to return to school with a reinvigorated attitude.
At Laurel Park School, we believe every student should have the chance to succeed. Our new Alternative Provision (AP) gives students a helpful “reset” when they are not reaching their potential in a traditional academic setting.
Through our day release programme, we give students space, motivation, and practical skills to help them rebuild their confidence and re-engage with their learning.
Read the Ofsted report.
Why choose our provision?
- Respite from a full academic timetable to help students refocus
- Opportunities to explore vocational pathways not typically offered in school
- Designed to improve behaviours and attitudes back at the "home" school
- Ideal as an extension of internal pastoral support plans
Current Offer: Level 1/2 VTCT Beauty
- Every Monday
- Hands-on vocational learning to build confidence and professional skills
- Students who need a new source of motivation to unlock their potential
Please Note: This provision is focused on respite and motivation. We do not provide support for complex behavioural needs.
Help your students find their path to success. For more information or to discuss a placement, contact:
Mr L. Hubbard, Deputy Headteacher, Laurel Park School, lhubbard@laurelparkschool.co.uk.
For an application form, visit Laurel Park School.
Oasis Academy Hadley Provision
Location: Silver Street, Enfield, EN3 4PX
Age range: Years 8, 9, 10 and 11
Our provision ethos: care, aspire, achieve, endeavour
Our core philosophy is centred on rebuilding positive school engagement and focusing on potential.
- Positive culture: We are committed to building a positive ethos and celebrating student achievement
- High expectations: We provide clear goals with high expectations, focused on positive effort
- Foundational support: We create the fundamentals for all-round support and give students opportunities to excel
- Inclusion: Students are attached to their Year Group and pastoral system (University Guide), and take part in all aspects of school life
Read the Ofsted Report.
Key Stage 3 (KS3) intervention programme (Years 8 and 9)
This is a targeted, short-term programme designed for reintegration.
12-Week programme structure
- The intervention is delivered over a 12-week programme with integrations
- The curriculum is full and is taught by mainstream teachers
Review and re-integration
- Regular review: Student progress is reviewed every 4 weeks
- Phased re-integration: Re-integration is a structured four-week programme:
- Involves a progressive increase in lessons
- Includes in-class observations and continued monitoring by the provision lead
- Features a weekly meeting to track progress
Monitoring and support
- Monitoring includes one-to-one sessions and continued pastoral care
- Reintegration readiness is assessed by a student/teacher case panel, which also strategises the return
- Students remain part of their Year Group and University Guide (for example, Queens University)
Key Stage 4 (KS4) Programme (Years 10 and 11)
This is a two-year, full-time programme focused on securing qualifications and futures.
- Full Curriculum: Students follow a full-time GCSE programme
- Environment: There are separate rooms for each Year Group
- Support and review: The programme operates across two years:
- Review cycles include regular meetings with parents
- Meetings also take place between teachers and AP staff, and AP staff with the Assistant SENCO
- Pastoral links: Students remain attached to their Year Group and University Guide (for example, Havana, Caltech).
Curriculum offer
Students receive a full academic timetable alongside structured personal development sessions.
Core subjects
- KS3: Example timetable includes Maths, Science, English, P.E., and Finance
- KS4: Example timetable includes Maths, Science, English, P.E., and Finance
- Pastoral/skill time: All timetables include dedicated 'University time'
Enrichment and personal development
A wide-ranging enrichment programme is included in the package:
- Life Skills and Careers:
- Mentors lead life skills and fitness sessions
- Includes a Career course to support with options, 6th Form applications, apprenticeship work, and interview support
- Dedicated PSHE programme for all provision
- Wellbeing and communication:
- Hub activities such as cooking (making meals in 20 mins) and baking
- Friday open forums for group discussions on their week, news, world affairs, current climates, and mental health
- Expression through art (drawing feelings and emotions) and boxing workshops
- Inclusion: Students take part in life days, trips, and activities within their Year Group
For more information, visit Oasis Academy Hadley.
Tottenham, Enfield and Islington Colleges
Capital City College Group - Key Stage 4 Provision
Locations:
- Islington Centre, 444 Camden Road, London, N7 0SP
- Tottenham Centre, High Road, London, N15 4RU
- Enfield Centre, 73 Hertford Road, Enfield, EN3 5HA
Capital City College Group offers alternative education for students who may not be doing well in traditional schools.
Read the Ofsted report.
Courses offered
Capital City College Group offer a GCSE programme, an 'Accelerate' course and vocational pathways in Hairdressing and Beauty Therapy, Health and Social Care, Construction Skills, Sport Level 1 Gateway Certificate, Music Media and Art.
For more details about the courses offered, visit Capital City College.
How it works
Each student is interviewed to help them choose the right course.
The focus is on building skills, confidence, and preparing for work.
Turnaround
Location: Orchardside School, 230 Bullsmoor Lane, EN1 4RL
Age range: Years 7 and 8
Orchardside School is Enfield’s Pupil Referral Unit and includes a separate Turnaround provision for students who are struggling in mainstream education. This setting is designed to be supportive and therapeutic, helping students feel safe and ready to learn. Students are referred directly by their schools and attend for half a term. After that, they are supported in returning to their original school with help from a mentor.
Read the Ofsted report.
Courses offered
Orchardside School offer English, Maths, Science, Geography, Art, PE, Food Tech, Performing Arts, family time, Enrichment and back to school readiness workshops.
For more details about the courses offered, visit Orchardside School.
How it works
Each group of students starts and finishes together, which helps create a smooth and structured experience.
Attendance, punctuality and classroom behaviour are carefully tracked and shared with both parents or carers and the student’s home school.
Positive behaviour is encouraged through rewards and praise, which are also shared with families and schools.
Students in the Turnaround programme stay in a separate part of the school and are supported by a dedicated staff member each day, along with a senior leader who oversees the programme.