The Alternative School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

The Alternative School was founded in 2007 to provide education for pupils who are unable to thrive in mainstream settings. It operates across three campuses — Barnoldswick, Burnley, and Blackpool — each with its own focus. Barnoldswick supports pupils in Years 7 to 13 with a range of therapies, counselling, and SEND provision. The Burnley campus uses a nurturing approach alongside an adrenaline sports programme for pupils in Years 4 to 11 who need respite or short-term support. The Blackpool campus works with pupils in Years 7 to 11 on both respite and longer-term placements, helping them to become part of the school community and, where appropriate, to transition back into mainstream education. The school welcomes pupils from a wide range of backgrounds, drawing from both the local areas and further afield. All pupils have SEND and social, emotional, and mental health needs, and many join with prior educational experiences that have been disrupted or challenging. The school's open admissions policy means it supports a broad range of needs, including diagnoses such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia, among others. At the heart of the school's approach is a commitment to personalised education. Each pupil's learning is tailored to support positive outcomes and to help them grow into well-rounded young people who can play an active part in their communities.