Blackfriars Academy
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| Blackfriars Academy | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
 | |
| , | |
| Coordinates | 53°00′30″N 2°13′55″W / 53.00824°N 2.23181°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Special school; Academy |
| Established | 1960 |
| Local authority | Staffordshire |
| Trust | Shaw Education Trust |
| Department for Education URN | 141448 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 5 to 19 |
| Website | http://www.bcfederation.co.uk/ |
Blackfriars Academy (formerly Blackfriars School) is a mixed special school of approximately 200 pupils, covering an age range of 5 to 19, with a range of physical, learning, medical and sensory needs who come from North and Central Staffordshire and the Unitary Authority of Stoke-on-Trent. The school consists of two sites, one of these is the school which is based in Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England and educates pupils aged between 5 and 16. The Further Education site is based in Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent and caters for students aged between 16 and 19 years old.
History
Since it opened in September 1960, Blackfriars School has won various accolades and has a long record of pioneering partnerships.[citation needed] These include being granted High Performing Specialist Status in February 2006.[citation needed] One of the first Beacon Schools, the school is also part of the Leading Edge Partnership programme. It is also integrated into the community thanks to its Technology College status. In October 2014 the school converted to academy status as part of the Shaw Education Trust. the school was then renamed Blackfriars Academy.
Staffing
The school and FE site teams of staff consist of teachers, teaching assistants, physiotherapists, speech therapists, medical and social agencies and ancillary staff.
Facilities
Both of the school's sites host a wide range of facilities. These include:
- Large, superbly resourced teaching areas
- Three ICT suites
- Two Art, Design and Technology Studios
- Library
- Maths Room and Science Laboratory
- Large Sports Complex
- Sensory Room
- Sensory Garden
- Drama Studio
- Community Shop
- Student Common Room and Café
- Two Swimming Pools
- Creative Arts and Games Hall
- Gym
- Community Cyber Café
- Food Technology Room
- Vocational Areas
- Extensive Grounds
- Outside sports area with rubberised surface
Notable former pupils
- Denise Leigh, winner of Channel 4's Operatunity
- Paul Henshall, actor