The Link School

The school is guided by the core REACH values: Respect, Effort, Achieve, Communicate, and Happy & Healthy. These values underpin the school's vision to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child can thrive. The educational approach focuses on re-engaging learners through a language-enriched environment that prioritizes wellbeing, self-esteem, and the development of essential life skills.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a strong academic core designed to narrow learning gaps and meet national expectations. It covers Key Stages 1 through 4, with classes typically taught in mixed-age groups based on individual needs. The programme includes core subjects, Careers Information Advice and Guidance (CIAG), and specialized interventions, with Key Stage 4 learners working toward GCSE qualifications.

The school reports consistent improvement in academic outcomes, with 87% of pupils achieving a GCSE in English and 81% in Maths. A growing number of pupils leave with five or more GCSE qualifications. The school holds several prestigious accreditations, including Ofsted 'Good' status, Inclusion Quality Mark Centre Flagship School status, the Anti-Bullying Platinum Award, and the Investors in Careers Award.

The school employs a relationship-based approach grounded in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the six principles of nurture groups to address individual learning gaps. Support is highly personalised and differentiated to ensure accessibility for all learners. The provision includes dedicated SEND support, behaviour management strategies, and access to a Behaviour Support Service that offers training and resources for schools and families.

The Link School is a Local Authority Maintained Pupil Referral Unit with 196 commissioned places for learners who have been permanently excluded or are at risk of exclusion. Referrals are managed through Together for Children, typically involving learners who have demonstrated concerning behaviour and have already received substantial intervention from their mainstream schools. The admissions process aims to be transparent, ensuring that placements are appropriate for the learner's age and needs.

The school operates on a standard academic year with scheduled Inset days for staff training. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the school year begins for learners in September 2025, with specific Inset days occurring in September, December, and July. Future term dates for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 are also established, with the school year typically commencing in early September.

The school operates across two main sites in Sunderland: Springwell Dene and Pallion. Springwell Dene serves learners in Key Stages 1, 2, and 3, while the Pallion site provides education for Key Stage 4 learners. The school also maintains a REACH Hub to provide Day 6 provision for specific learners. Both sites are equipped to support a range of academic and personal development activities.

The school provides a creative curriculum that includes outdoor education and various enrichment activities designed to support Social, Moral, Spiritual, and Cultural (SMSC) development. Learners have access to community activities and STEM-focused learning opportunities. Additionally, the school promotes health and wellbeing through initiatives such as mindfulness, physical education, and mental health support.