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North Star 180

North Star 180o is part of the North Star Academy Trust and is a day special school for young people aged 5-16 years. All pupils attending the school have an educational, health and care plan (EHCP), with an identified ‘primary need’ of social, emotional and mental health needs. Many of our pupils have other needs in addition to this, for example Autism, ADHD and Speech, Language and Communication needs. North Star 180 aims to provide an individualised and high-quality education for all young people who are referred to us. We believe that all young people have a common entitlement to a broad and balanced academic and social curriculum and recognise the importance of preparing all young people to be an active part of their community.

At North Star 180o, we recognise and respect the fact that pupils have different educational, social and emotional needs along with different aspirations and require different approaches to learning and behaviour support. We tailor our approach to supporting our students based on their own individual needs and the provision outlined in their EHCP. 

Your child will be allocated to a tutor group and the tutor staff team are responsible for the emotional welfare and development of your child. The school SENCO is responsible for ensuring your child receives the education and intervention provision outlined in their EHCP. 

Classes are much smaller than in mainstream schools and the staffing levels are enhanced so that your child will be taught in a class of a maximum of 8 students, with a staff to student ratio of, at most 1:4.

First and foremost, North Star 180o is a school – a dedicated place of learning. When teachers are planning their lessons, they consider the needs of every pupil in their class, such is the benefit of having such small groups of learners. Learning is adapted so that all pupils are able to make progress. A child’s EHCP is thoughtfully considered to ensure learning happens in line with their needs. Teachers give regular, detailed feedback to young people so they know what their next steps for learning are. Learners are then given dedicated time to reflect on and respond to this feedback.  

The curriculum at North Star 180o gives pupils the opportunity to learn and develop in a supportive and creative environment where there is focus on recognising achievement and supporting progression, in which pupils feel safe and are happy. Praise focuses on the learning process, as it aims to promote the social, moral, spiritual and cultural development of the pupils, as well as their intellectual and physical development. 

The school is committed to providing a broad and balanced curriculum, based on the National Curriculum and any additional qualifications the young people may take. This is blended with opportunities for pupils to develop social skills, independence skills and skills for life beyond North Star 180°.  

Find our SEN Information Report on our website.

Last updated: 2 December 2025