About Us

Newcastle Bridges School is a multi-site alternative provision academy within Prosper Learning Trust which provides education to pupils from ages 4-19 whose education has been interrupted by mental or physical ill-health or school phobia. They may be hospitalised or are not able to fully access mainstream education due to medical or mental health reasons. They may be referred via the Local Authority, regional and national health services or home schools can directly commission places. Pupils may be singularly or dual registered depending on their circumstances.

The school is made up of a diverse range of provisions some of which are within NHS settings. These provisions are widely recognised for the expertise they provide both regionally and nationally. Education staff from Newcastle Bridges School work in partnership with staff from the Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust within these settings.

Newcastle Bridges School seeks to support each pupil’s access to a full-time, broad and balanced education appropriate to their potential and their educational needs and encourage reintegration into mainstream whenever relevant.

The school is based across numerous sites, some of which are within NHS settings, as follows:

Newcastle Bridges School at Kenton

Newcastle Bridges School at Kenton offers education to pupils aged 11-16 years old who are unable to access mainstream school due to medical and mental health needs.  It offers a smaller and more nurturing environment than most mainstream secondary settings. A secondary curriculum is followed and pupils sit external exams.

The Medical Pathway Team are based within this provision and provide education to pupils in the community who are unable to access the Kenton Provision for medical reasons, supporting them in a transition back to an education setting appropriate to the individual learner.

The Great North Children’s Hospital/Freeman Hospital (Paediatric Hospital Wards)

Caters for pupils whose education is interrupted by regular stays, or a long term stay in hospital. Pupils are taught by a team of teachers in the different specialist paediatric wards or in the hospital classroom.

Ferndene Stephenson Medium Secure Unit (MSU)

A medium secure inpatient assessment and treatment for young people up to 18 years, who have complex mental health needs, including those with a learning disability

Ferndene Hospital at Prudhoe (Mental Health)

A purpose built inpatient centre which provides assessment and treatment for 12 to 18 year olds with complex health, behavioural and emotional needs including those with a learning disability.

Walkergate Park (Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Service)

A specialist second opinion service for nursery or primary school aged children who may have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other complex communication/mental health/neuro-developmental problems.

Community Education Service

Specialist teachers work in community settings, supporting pupils in a transition back to education setting appropriate to the individual learner. The team offers bespoke teaching following a medical referral which recommends a set number of hours teaching based on the pupil’s health.