Creating a new Curriculum at Coventry Academy

Solihull Alternative Provision Multi Academy Trust (SAPMAT) is thrilled to welcome Coventry AP Academy into this unique family of schools.

Building on 18 months of work in the run up to their conversion to an academy and culminating at the beginning of this academic year, Coventry Academy has embarked on a transformational journey since joining the Trust - inspired by SAPMAT’s values and vision. This collaboration marks a significant milestone, bringing ambitious and innovative curriculum pathways designed to empower students and redefine their educational outcomes.

A Fresh Start with Purpose and Innovation

Under the dedicated leadership of Headteacher Glenn Mellor, Coventry Academy has undergone remarkable changes to establish a curriculum tailored to the needs of its students. Historically, alternative provision (AP) schools often grapple with the challenge of being "all things to all people," particularly for students facing permanent exclusion. Recognising this issue, Glenn and his team have reshaped the Academy’s approach, ensuring that it serves as a purposeful and supportive environment rather than a punitive measure.

As SAPMAT CEO Stephen Steinhaus aptly stated, " if there is to be a sanction it should be the permanent exclusion, not the provision". This shift in perspective has been fundamental to Coventry Academy’s reinvention, enabling it to offer a structured and meaningful pathway for every student.

Becoming a Transformative Academy

Before joining SAPMAT, Coventry Academy operated as a local authority service, fulfilling statutory requirements for six-day provision. While the school worked hard to deliver quality education and support - and had real achievements - systemic challenges often hindered its ability to achieve long-term success for its students. A revealing straw poll conducted by Glenn prior to the Academy’s conversion, highlighted a stark reality: students who remained in the school for six months had only a 50% chance of reintegrating into mainstream schools, and those who stayed for 12 months rarely transitioned back at all.

Since joining SAPMAT, Coventry Academy has embraced the opportunity to "be honest about the children and their needs," as Glenn described. By introducing a new commissioning model and building on a collaborative relationship with the local authority, the Academy has redefined its role within the educational ecosystem in Coventry.

Tailored Pathways for Every Student

Coventry Academy now operates with a clear and intentional structure, offering:

1. A Six-Day Provision Centre: Designed for short-term placements with a maximum duration of 12 weeks, this Assessment Centre at our Wyken site, focuses on in-depth assessments and personalised support. Students undergo a comprehensive 360-degree evaluation over 3-4 weeks, leading to tailored decisions about their next steps, whether that’s reintegration into mainstream schools or continued AP support. The graduated exposure model ensures a smooth transition, with dual registration and SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) coaching provided to support students in their new environments. This provision offers a maximum of 45 places across 4 groups and while it mainly caters for Years 9, 10 and 11, there is a nurturing group for years 7 & 8 (which even benefits from an additional rotation if that’s what’s right for the child).
2. Junior Apprenticeship Programme: Based at the Herald Curriculum Centre, this programme caters to Years 9, 10, and 11, offering vocational education such as NVQ’s alongside GCSEs. With 50 places available, students gain hands-on experience in fields such as food technology, construction, and hair and beauty, all delivered on our own site in partnership with North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, whose lecturers are on site for 3 days each week. This exceptional programme serves as a bridge to post-16 education, equipping students with the skills and confidence to succeed. 

1. Refocus Programme: This 10-week initiative targets students who have not been permanently excluded, aiming to address their needs and re-engage them with their education. Through a combination of academic support, vocational learning, and personal development activities, students are encouraged to reconnect with their home schools while benefiting from the Academy’s resources and expertise. Up to 25 students on this programme are referred by the local authority from within 18 registered schools across Coventry. Students remain on roll with their home school throughout their placement and still attend there each Monday, coming to us for four days per week.

Prioritising Personal Development

At Coventry Academy, the curriculum goes beyond academics to nurture the whole child. Students have access to enriching experiences such as:

• Coventry Music Service: Peripatetic lessons that inspire creativity and self-expression.
• PE and Outdoor Education: Unique activities like snow camps, climbing sessions at Warwick University, and even virtual reality sports competitions.
• SEMH Curriculum: A comprehensive and unique programme that addresses social and emotional gaps, using tools like the THRIVE framework and outdoor education to foster resilience and teamwork.

As Glenn so aptly puts it, “these initiatives are designed to ‘find the hook’ that engages each student, using their interests as a springboard to unlock their potential”.

Clear Results and Teamwork

The impact of these innovative pathways is already evident. The Refocus Programme, for instance, has seen a 20% increase in attendance among participating students in only its first rotation. Meanwhile, whole-school outcomes have improved significantly, with 81.3% of Year 11 leavers achieving a Grade 1 or above in English and Maths.

Glenn attributes these successes to the exceptional team at Coventry Academy. "What we have been able to create in all these systems is great, but we wouldn’t be able to do that without such a high-quality team, they are the best I have ever worked with" he remarked. Their alignment with the Academy’s core values has been instrumental in driving progress and fostering a culture of excellence.

Looking Ahead

As Coventry Academy continues to grow within the Trust, the future looks bright. Plans are underway to further enhance the curriculum, including the addition of an industrial kitchen for NVQ Level 1 hospitality training. By building on successful programmes and maintaining an unwavering focus on student needs, the Academy is poised to achieve even greater outcomes.

We are incredibly proud to welcome Coventry Academy into SAPMAT and celebrate the incredible work Glenn and his team have accomplished, as well as every student achievement. Together, we are transforming the landscape of alternative provision, ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Welcome to the family, Coventry Academy!