Our School

At On Track Northampton we believe that the individual needs of each young person come first. Our dedicated team of professionals use their wide range of skills and experience to ensure positive academic and pastoral outcomes for all our students.

Admissions

At On Track Northampton, we understand that choosing the right school is a big decision. That's why our admissions process is designed to be supportive, transparent and reassuring every step of the way.

Pupils are usually referred to On Track Northampton by their local authority, but if your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), you can also request a place through your local authority’s SEND team. We accept pupils throughout the academic year, ensuring that every young person joins us at the right time for them.

Once a referral has been made, we invite families to visit the school, meet our dedicated staff and experience the calm, nurturing environment we offer. This visit helps everyone feel confident that On Track is the right place for your child to learn and grow. 

For more information, visit our Admissions & Referrals website page. 

curriculum

At On Track Northampton, we support pupils to enable them to access a varied curriculum, providing academic, vocational and outdoor learning experiences. Every child has the right to an education, and we will adapt and adjust to ensure each student can access our curriculum effectively.

A Nurturing Environment

Our learning environment is built on care, kindness and understanding. We nurture our pupils through a holistic approach, working with the child as a whole to ensure they can, and are ready to, learn. We build on pupils' individual confidence, esteem and motivation, empowering them to face challenges with resilience, respect and resolve.

A Curriculum that Inspires

Our curriculum provides experiences and opportunities which inspire an interest in learning, encourage aspirations and support the development of fundamental independence skills. Supporting pupils to overcome barriers and academic achievement are of equal importance, to ensure that our pupils are confident and best prepared for their next steps in further education or training.

Preparing for the Future

We are also committed to developing pupils' individual skills, alongside their communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking to guarantee pupils are best prepared to be successful in the 21st Century. This stimulating and engaging curriculum is regularly reviewed and adapted to meet the needs and interests of our pupils.

A Collaborative Approach

Our flexible, needs-led process supports pupils to navigate their individual learning journey. Furthermore, we work collaboratively with parents/carers, professional outside agencies and pupils to ensure we are child-centred in our approach.

Assessment Framework

Our colour-coded assessment framework starts at pre-entry level (yellow), onto Entry Level (orange, pink and green), Functional Skills (blue and lilac), GCSEs (blue and lilac) and Level 3 qualifications (purple). Colour coding the curriculum and assessment framework allows us to teach subjects at an appropriate level for our learners, who have, on occasion, missed chunks of learning, rather than planning for their age and/or year group.

Each level is split into three sub-levels: emerging, developing and secure. These help show progression through the individual levels.
Once a pupil shows secure knowledge at a level, they can move on to the next level. A typical mainstream pupil is expected to move up 3 sub-levels over an academic year (ie, Emerging to Secure).

Current Curriculum Offer

We have a varied curriculum that includes a mixture of academic, vocational and outdoor learning opportunities. In our yellow-green curriculum, we build on pupils' prior learning, cover gaps in any learning, and prepare our pupils for their future qualifications. Our blue-purple curriculum offers a wide variety of qualifications for pupils, best preparing them for further education, adulthood and career aspirations.

Curriculum Overview: Yellow-Green

Curriculum Overview: Blue-Purple

Subjects

• English & English Literature – Maths – Science – PSHE – SMSC - ICT - Employability
• Personal Social Development – Religion – Food – Sport – Engineering – Construction - Hair & Beauty – Ar – Media - Humanities
• Music – Business - Personal Growth and Wellbeing - Travel & Hospitality
• Duke of Edinburgh
• Forest School
• Interventions

Examinations and Accreditation 

Our Philosophy

At On Track Education, we view examinations and qualifications as equally important to the development of social, emotional, and life skills. We believe all pupils benefit from working toward and achieving formal accreditation as part of their learning journey. These qualifications help pupils gain recognition for their efforts and provide a solid foundation for progression to college, apprenticeships, or employment.

Qualifications Offered

We aim to provide a broad range of qualifications that recognise and accredit the achievements of all pupils. The qualifications offered are reviewed annually and are selected by the school leadership team to best support each learner’s progression.

Pupils may be entered for a variety of accredited courses, including:

• Unit Award Scheme
• Entry Level Certificates
• GCSEs
• Functional Skills (English & Maths)
• Level 1 and Level 2 Awards
• ASDAN Programmes
• Arts Award
• Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Octopus Swimming Awards
• Kickboxing Belts
• BTEC Qualifications

Decisions regarding which qualifications a pupil is entered for are made in consultation with:

• The pupil
• Subject teachers
• The school leadership team

Parents/carers are kept fully informed throughout this process.

These qualifications not only celebrate academic and personal development but also provide essential evidence of learning for:

• College applications
• Apprenticeship placements
• Future employment opportunities

Exam Season: Summer and Beyond

Internal assessments (e.g., topic tests, end-of-term assessments) are scheduled as needed by subject teachers.
Mock examinations are held under formal exam conditions to help prepare students for external assessments.
External examinations are timetabled and administered according to awarding body regulations.

Exam Timetables

Once the exam timetable is confirmed, it will be circulated promptly to staff and pupils. For the summer exam period, a hard copy of the exam timetable will be sent to parents/carers in April, along with:

• A reminder of exam procedures
• Key exam rules
• Expectations for pupil conduct

Access Arrangements

To ensure equity and fairness, we offer appropriate access arrangements for pupils who need additional support during exams.

Our SENCO works closely with teaching staff to gather evidence and determine suitable adjustments. These may include:

• Use of a laptop or assistive technology
• 1:1 support for reading exam content
• Extra time, rest breaks, or a separate exam room, as required

These arrangements are designed to reflect the pupil’s usual way of working and to remove barriers without giving an unfair advantage.

reading & library

At On Track Education Northampton, reading is more than a skill; it's a gateway to confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Our thoughtfully designed reading curriculum nurtures fluent, enthusiastic readers who thrive across all areas of study. Whether curled up with a novel in one of our inviting library spaces or performing spoken word raps in our inspirational music room, pupils are immersed in a rich tapestry of texts and experiences. 

We’re proud of our welcoming library spaces, packed with books, magazines, and diverse texts that reflect the world around us. Pupils love reading to Diego, our much-loved school dog, whose calming presence makes reading time even more special. Whether they’re writing poems in the music room or diving into graphic novels at break, pupils are encouraged to find joy in reading in all its forms.

We know that strong reading skills open doors- not just in English, but across every subject. That’s why we work hard to make reading a shared, celebrated part of school life. It’s not just about learning to read. It’s about nurturing the love of reading.

OFSTED 2025:

"The carefully crafted reading curriculum allows pupils to develop into confident and fluent readers." OFSTED 2025: "From providing magazines and diverse texts, to creating raps and poems in the inspirational music room, the school leaves no stone unturned in its quest to promote a love of reading."

Library

Our school libraries are more than just places to borrow books- they’re cosy havens where pupils can feel safe, calm, and inspired.

With one library in each unit, every space is carefully tailored to meet the needs of our learners, offering a wide selection of fiction and non-fiction texts to spark curiosity and foster a love of reading. Books are colour-coded in line with the Accelerated Reader programme, helping pupils choose titles that match their reading level while gently stretching their skills. We also offer dyslexia-friendly books and a range of supportive texts for autistic learners, including social stories and calming reads. Whether pupils are diving into a gripping adventure or finding quiet comfort in a familiar favourite, our libraries are welcoming spaces where every reader belongs.  

School Day

We operate a slightly shorter school day than most state schools to meet the needs of our pupils. This does not shorten the hours of learning available to our pupils; it enables them to manage their day more positively. 

Monday – Thursday: start time 9:00 until 14.20

Friday: start time 9:00 until 14:00

Breaktime: 10:25 until 10:40

Lunchtime: 12.00 until 12:30

Total: 25 hours per week

SMSC at On Track Education

At On Track Education Northampton, the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of our pupils is at the heart of everything we do. Our ethos is rooted in the belief that education should nurture the whole child, equipping them not just with academic skills, but with the values, confidence and cultural capital they need to succeed in life and contribute positively to society.

Our SMSC Aims

We are committed to actively promoting all four strands of SMSC, which underpin everything we do.

Spiritual Development

• We encourage pupils to develop self-knowledge, self-esteem, resilience and creativity.
• Pupils are given time to reflect on their own beliefs, feelings and experiences through mentoring, creative subjects, and wellbeing sessions.
• We foster curiosity and a sense of wonder through immersive WOW Days, visits, and opportunities to experience the wider world.
• Pupils are supported to express themselves confidently, developing their individuality and imagination.

“Pupils’ SMSC development is closely aligned to the overall ethos and values of the school. The school aims to equip pupils with the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.”

(On Track Education SMSC Policy)

Moral Development

• We teach pupils to distinguish right from wrong, understand consequences, and make positive choices.
• Behaviour expectations are consistent and clear, with opportunities to reflect on decisions and learn from mistakes.
• Pupils are supported to develop empathy, compassion and fairness through debate, ethical discussions, and restorative approaches.
• We ensure pupils understand the laws of the UK and how they apply in everyday life, promoting respect for the rule of law.

Social Development

• Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility, work cooperatively, and contribute to their school and local community.
• Every pupil has a voice and is involved in decision-making through student councils, class discussions, and feedback forums.
• Group activities, leadership roles and enterprise projects develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Through school trips, community visits and workplace experiences, pupils learn how to engage positively with the wider world.

“Pupils were proud to be part of On Track Education and were so enthusiastic to share and explain your Thrive Values, which are fully embedded into school life… "This school is brilliant and the teachers are brilliant. They treat us like humans, and they really care about us.’”

(National SMSC Quality Mark Verification Report, November 2023)

Cultural Development

• We celebrate diversity and promote respect for different faiths, cultures, and beliefs.
• Pupils take part in cultural days, role-play, art, music, and food experiences from around the world.
• Our curriculum introduces pupils to the best of human creativity and achievement, developing cultural capital and broadening horizons.
• Displays, wall wraps of local history, and our creative spaces (Music Studio, Construction Room, Engineering Room and more) showcase and celebrate pupils’ work and achievements.

“Thank you for sharing your wonderful learning environment with me, it is immersive, celebratory and gives all pupils the tools to succeed.”

(National SMSC Quality Mark Verification Report, November 2023)

Our Gold Standard in SMSC

In November 2023, On Track Education Northampton was proud to be awarded the Gold level of the National SMSC Quality Mark. This external recognition highlights the outstanding SMSC provision embedded throughout our curriculum and school culture.

“I congratulate On Track Education on the Gold standard of SMSC development that is offered to their pupils.”

(National SMSC Quality Mark Verification Report, November 2023)

What Ofsted Say About Us

Ofsted have recognised the positive culture and values-driven ethos that underpin life at On Track Education. Their findings reflect the same commitment to SMSC development seen in our daily practice:

“Pupils build trusting relationships with staff. They feel safe and know staff care about them. This helps pupils to engage well with learning and begin to see education as a positive experience.” — Ofsted Inspection Report

“Leaders create an environment where pupils are respected, valued and nurtured. They place pupils’ personal development at the centre of the school’s work.” — Ofsted Inspection Report

Our Commitment

SMSC is not an add-on, it is a golden thread running through every part of our provision. Under strong leadership, we ensure that pupils are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated as individuals. We believe this approach enables our young people to thrive at school, in their communities, and in life beyond On Track. 

Term Dates 2025/2026