Leaways School
HackneyCurriculum & Approach
At Leaways School, our curriculum is carefully designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils, ensuring access to a broad and balanced range of subjects and recognised qualifications. Curriculum pathways are matched to each pupil’s starting point, strengths and individual needs, allowing them to progress at a pace that is right for them.
Our pathways provide both flexibility and structure playing to academic or vocational strengths and are built around three pillars: academic learning, personal development and therapeutic support. All pupils cover core subjects of English, Maths and Science with opportunities for a range of foundation and vocational areas such as Art, Design Technology, Music, Media, ICT, PSHE and PE.
Alongside academic learning, our approach emphasises emotional wellbeing, communication and resilience, working to reduce barriers to learning, enabling pupils to regulate emotions, sustain attention and celebrate success.
Pathways are regularly reviewed and adapted so that, as pupils grow in confidence and capability, they can move between pathways to ensure appropriate challenge and continued success. This personalised approach helps pupils to develop essential skills, resilience and independence.
With high expectations and a strong belief in every pupil’s potential, our ambitious curriculum supports meaningful progress by providing the right guidance, opportunities and support.
Our aim is to prepare every young person for positive next steps in education, employment or training, and for a happy and productive life beyond school.
National Curriculum, subjects and qualifications
Leaways School delivers the full National Curriculum, adapted to meet the needs of pupils with SEMH and associated learning differences. Our broad offer includes English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Art, Design Technology, Food Technology, ICT, PSHE and PE. Lessons are practical, engaging and carefully differentiated to ensure accessibility and success for every learner.
At Key Stage 4, pupils can achieve recognised qualifications through Functional Skills, GCSEs, Entry Level Certificates, Unit Awards and BTECs. Progress is continuously assessed and celebrated. High expectations, consistent routines and skilled teaching allow every pupil to experience achievement and develop confidence in their abilities.
Education pathways and flexible learning programme
Our Education pathways ensure that every pupil follows a route suited to their strengths, needs and ambitions. Each pathway combines academic subjects with therapeutic and vocational learning, enabling success through structure, creativity and flexibility.
For pupils who need a more individualised approach, the Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) offers tailored, small-group or 1:1 provision. It focuses on re-engagement, emotional regulation and targeted curriculum access, helping pupils to rebuild trust in learning and achieve personal goals at an appropriate pace. Every pathway leads towards positive post-16 destinations and lifelong success.
Outdoor and Physical Education
Physical activity plays a vital role in promoting wellbeing and confidence at Leaways. Our PE and Outdoor Learning curriculum builds teamwork, resilience and self-discipline through a range of activities — from sports and fitness to Forest School and off-site challenges.
We encourage all pupils to discover the enjoyment of movement, responsibility and healthy competition. Outdoor learning also supports sensory regulation and social interaction, providing valuable opportunities to practise communication and problem-solving skills in a natural setting. These experiences help pupils connect with the world beyond the classroom while improving both physical and emotional health.
Life skills
Life Skills education equips our pupils with the independence, confidence and practical abilities they need for adulthood. Lessons focus on real-world learning — including cooking, budgeting, travel training, time management and personal care. Pupils learn to make informed choices, manage daily routines and contribute positively to their community.
Life Skills is closely linked with Careers Education and therapeutic support, ensuring that pupils gain both competence and confidence. Our goal is for every young person to leave Leaways with the self-belief and capability to live independently and participate meaningfully in society.
Community engagement
We believe that learning extends far beyond the school gates. Pupils are encouraged to take an active role in their local community through volunteering projects, cultural visits, charity events and social-enterprise activities.
These experiences develop empathy, responsibility and citizenship, helping pupils to understand the impact they can have on others. Working with community partners also helps pupils build positive networks and see themselves as valued members of society. Through these connections, we nurture respect, belonging and pride in the progress pupils make both personally and collectively.
Enrichment and wider opportunities
Our Enrichment Programme provides pupils with opportunities to explore interests, discover new talents and build confidence beyond academic study. Activities include music, art, creative media, gardening, clubs, trips and themed events that celebrate diversity and achievement.
Enrichment is central to our therapeutic and personal-development offer. It promotes enjoyment, motivation and positive relationships, giving pupils a chance to experience success in different settings. By broadening horizons and developing cultural capital, we help pupils see the world — and themselves — with curiosity and ambition.
Vocational skills offer
Leaways provides a strong vocational pathway that helps pupils develop practical, work-related skills and prepare for future employment. Pupils can study BTEC and Unit Award qualifications in subjects such as Cooking, Design Technology, PE and Digital Media.
Our curriculum emphasises hands-on learning and real-world application. Where appropriate, pupils take part in work-experience placements, enterprise projects and college-link courses that introduce them to different career routes. Vocational learning builds self-confidence, responsibility and independence — ensuring every pupil leaves Leaways with qualifications, experience and aspirations for the next stage of their journey.
Flexible Learning Programme (FLP)
The Flexible Learning Programme (FLP) at Leaways School provides bespoke, alternative learning pathways for pupils who may struggle to access the full mainstream timetable. It is a personalised approach designed to re-engage pupils with education, rebuild confidence and promote steady progress at a pace and structure that meet individual needs.
FLP supports pupils experiencing barriers such as anxiety, disengagement, attendance difficulties or complex SEMH needs. Learning takes place in smaller, quieter environments with a blend of academic, therapeutic and vocational activities. Each programme is co-designed by teachers, mentors and therapists to balance core subjects with targeted interventions that address emotional regulation, communication and independence.
Sessions may include academic catch-up work, life skills, therapeutic mentoring, sensory regulation, outdoor learning or creative projects. The emphasis is on consistency, safety and relational support. Staff use trauma-informed practice to ensure pupils feel valued, understood and motivated to participate.
Progress within the FLP is closely monitored through individual targets, session logs and regular review meetings involving families and the wider multidisciplinary team. The ultimate goal is to help pupils transition gradually back into fuller timetables, group learning or accredited pathways such as GCSEs, BTECs and Entry Level Certificates.
The Flexible Learning Programme exemplifies Leaways School’s ethos of meeting pupils where they are. By combining education and therapy within a nurturing structure, it provides a route back to stability, self-belief and success — ensuring that every pupil’s journey is recognised, supported and celebrated.
