Bradfields Academy

The academy aims to be a centre of excellence in the SEND sector, fostering an environment where students can develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills to thrive in their communities. It emphasizes the importance of positive relationships, self-esteem, and character strengths, operating on the belief that every child matters. The school is committed to promoting equality, respect, and British values, preparing students to be ambassadors for those with disabilities.

The academy offers an all-through curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to Year 14 in the Sixth Form, organized into communities based on student needs. The academic programme focuses on core skills in reading, writing, and communication, utilizing schemes such as the 'Power of Reading' and various phonics programmes like Twinkl and Monster Phonics. Subjects include English, Maths, Computing, Science, Humanities, RE, PSHCE, and Technology, with a strong emphasis on work-related learning and life skills to support future independence.

Bradfields Academy has been judged 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in both 2017 and 2022. Students consistently achieve beyond their predicted levels, earning qualifications ranging from Unit Awards and Entry Level to Level 1 and 2 BTECs and GCSEs, with sixth-form students progressing to Level 3 equivalents. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for further education, employment, supported living, and to become responsible global citizens.

The academy provides extensive pastoral and therapeutic support, including a dedicated therapy dog, Jenson, who assists with communication, social skills, and self-esteem. The Wider Pastoral Team includes medical and welfare staff, therapy leads, and a Parent & Carer Partnership team. Support is integrated into the curriculum through small class sizes, high adult-to-student ratios (ranging from 2:1 to 1:13), and personalized learning plans that break down EHCP targets into achievable steps.

Bradfields Academy is a specialist SEND provision for students aged 4-19 with complex learning needs, including autism, speech and language, sensory, and physical disabilities. All students must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Admissions are managed through the Medway SEN department and neighbouring local authorities, with the academy currently undergoing a phased expansion to reach a capacity of 444 students by September 2026. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open events, and the academy’s admissions team assesses suitability through school reports, professional documentation, and, where appropriate, classroom observations or home visits.

The academy operates on a standard academic term structure. Specific term dates and key events are published on the academy’s website.

The academy is situated on a large campus comprising four buildings, with ongoing improvements supported by the Department for Education’s Schools Rebuilding Programme. Facilities include a dedicated library, a book vending machine, and specialized sensory equipment to support student self-regulation. The academy is also developing a converted double-decker bus to serve as a library and a quiet area for sixth-form students.

Students are encouraged to develop individual talents through a variety of extracurricular activities, including drama productions, such as 'Seussical The Musical', and sports. Sixth form students have access to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, work experience placements, and community volunteering programmes. Additionally, the academy hosts reading-focused initiatives, including author visits, theatre productions, and a book vending machine.