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On Track Education Northampton

Part of On Track Education

Updated July 2026

On Track Education is a family of DfE-registered, Ofsted-inspected independent special schools and support services established in 2005. It provides bespoke educational and pastoral support for young people aged 7–19 who have social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs or autistic spectrum conditions (ASC).

Teaching approach

The school is committed to providing a calm, structured, and nurturing environment where every day is a fresh start for students who have struggled in mainstream settings. It promotes values of inclusion, equality, and mutual respect, aiming to restore self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-motivation. The approach is holistic, focusing on both academic achievement and the personal development of each young person.

Programmes

The curriculum is personalised to each student's needs and interests, blending core academic subjects with vocational and outdoor learning. Subjects offered include English, Maths, Science, Phonics, PSHE, RE, Geography, History, Computing, Art, PE, and MFL. The school provides specialist education for ages 7–19, with some locations extending provision to age 19 to support post-16 learners.

Outcomes

Students work towards a range of academic and vocational qualifications, including GCSEs, BTECs, and AQA certificates. The school supports pupils in transitioning to further education, apprenticeships, and employment. Many students achieve significant personal growth, with the school celebrating successes such as awards for mental health and wellbeing, and positive Ofsted inspection outcomes.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The school provides specialist pastoral care and nurture-informed approaches to support students with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties and autistic spectrum conditions (ASC). Each pupil receives a personalised, needs-led education pathway, with support from a team of experienced professionals who work in partnership with external agencies. Staff focus on emotional regulation, confidence building, and wellbeing to help students re-engage with education.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

Pupils are typically referred by their local authority, and most require an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) to qualify for funding. The school accepts referrals throughout the academic year and provides an enhanced, bespoke transition process for every new student. Families are invited to visit the school to meet staff and ensure the environment is suitable for the child's needs.

Calendar

The school operates across multiple sites with term dates that vary by location. Generally, the academic year is divided into Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms, with half-term breaks in October, February, and May, alongside designated staff training days. Specific term dates for each school, such as Barnstaple, Silverstone, and Wisbech, are published on the school's website.

Facilities

GymnasiumLibraryScience labsArt roomMusic roomTheatre / auditoriumPlaygroundOutdoor area

About the campus

The school operates a network of sites across the UK, including Barnstaple, Mildenhall, Northampton, Silverstone, Totnes, Westbury, Yarner, and Wisbech. Facilities are tailored to support SEMH needs and include sensory rooms, dedicated wellbeing rooms, gyms, and outdoor learning spaces. Recent developments include a new learning facility at the Silverstone site featuring five classrooms and an indoor sports area.

Co-curriculars

The school offers a broad mix of activities designed to build confidence and resilience, including outdoor education, Forest School, music, and cooking. Students participate in community engagement, charity work, and enrichment opportunities, such as the Springboard FutureChef competition and local history explorations. Physical activities are also a key component, with some sites featuring gyms and sports facilities.

  • Maria RobertsHead Teacher

    Maria Roberts is the Head Teacher at On Track Education Barnstaple.

  • Mandy TaylorHead Teacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead/Designated Teacher of LAC

    Mandy Taylor serves as the Head Teacher at the Mildenhall school, where she also acts as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and the Designated Teacher for Looked After Children (LAC).

  • Lucy Basey FisherDeputy Head

    Lucy Basey Fisher is a Deputy Head at On Track Education Barnstaple.

  • Cath FordhamDeputy Head / Careers Lead

    Cath Fordham is a Deputy Head and Careers Lead at On Track Education Barnstaple.

  • Anina CarkeekDeputy Head Teacher/Deputy DSL/Curriculum Lead

    Anina Carkeek is a Deputy Head Teacher at the Mildenhall school, where she also serves as a Deputy DSL and the Curriculum Lead.

  • Nathan BealeyDeputy Head/Deputy DSL/Health and Safety/Internal Verifier

    Nathan Bealey is a Deputy Head at the Mildenhall school, with responsibilities including Deputy DSL, Health and Safety, and Internal Verifier.

  • Joshua IzzoDeputy Headteacher & Mental Health Lead

    Joshua Izzo is a Deputy Headteacher and the Mental Health Lead at the Mildenhall school.