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 of specialist teachers are based within this provision and provide education to pupils who are unable to access their home school or the Kenton Provision for medical reasons in the home or community settings. Pupils are supported either back to their home school or an education setting appropriate to the individual learner.  The team will also support students who have been out of formal education for an extended period to access the Kenton Provision.

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 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. 

The Stephenson ward at Ferndene is a forensic mental health setting for 12-18 year olds with mental health needs or an additional 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. 

Newcastle Bridges School is a multi-site school for pupils who have medical needs or are not able to access mainstream school because of mental and/or physical health. A number of provisions are based within hospital settings. The school meets a huge variety of complex needs and strives to ensure that its pupils, no matter what difficulties they face, are not disadvantaged in any way with regard to their education and future opportunities. The school provides a holistic, child centred education that encourages pupils to aim high. Every pupil is equal, valued and unique and we aim to provide an environment where all pupils feel safe and can flourish. The school has various departments, each of which caters for a particular group of pupils and their needs as follows:

Ferndene is a purpose built inpatient centre that provides assessment and treatment for 12-18 year olds with complex mental health, behavioural and emotional needs including pupils with a learning disability.

The Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorder Service (CNDS) is a specialist second opinion service for nursery or primary school aged children who may have autism and other complex communication/mental health/neuro-developmental problems.

The Great North Children’s Hospital (GNCH) 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.

Kenton Provision is a Newcastle Local Authority commissioned provision offering education to pupils 11-16 years old who are unable to access mainstream school due to medical and mental health needs.

Medical Pathway Provision provides education for pupils who are unable to attend their normal place of education due to illness. This service is based within our Kenton site. Pupils are taught from Reception to Year 11 and teaching can take place in a variety of settings within the community as appropriate to their medical needs.