Admissions & Referrals — Your Pathway Starts Here
Whether you’re a student, parent, or local authority, we make joining Futures Academy simple, transparent, and supportive.
Who Can Join?
Futures Academy is designed for post-16 students (Year 12 and above) who:
- Need an alternative to mainstream education
- Want to re-engage with learning and gain qualifications
- Are motivated by football, sport, or media
- Would benefit from small-group, mentoring-led environments
Pathways to Admission
1. Local Authorities & Schools
We work closely with local authorities and schools to commission placements for young people at risk of exclusion or becoming NEET.
- Commissioned at LA rates
- Clear Service Level Agreements (SLAs) provided
- Weekly reporting on attendance, progress, and welfare
Next Step: [Commission a Placement]
2. Parents & Carers
Families can apply directly if they feel their child would benefit from Futures Academy.
- Initial enquiry and consultation call
- Student invited for assessment and interview
- Parents/carers involved in creating the Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
Next Step: [Apply Now]
3. Students
Young people motivated to build their future can express interest directly.
- Trial day to experience Futures Academy
- Interview and assessment to ensure the right fit
- Onboarding into education, football, and apprenticeship pathways
Next Step: [Refer a Student]
Our Admissions Process
We aim to make the admissions process simple, supportive, and transparent:
- Enquiry — Online form, phone call, or referral
- Consultation — With LA, parent/carer, and/or student
- Assessment & Interview — Baseline tests, football trial, and needs assessment
- Offer — Place confirmed with agreed ILP and start date
- Onboarding — Safeguarding induction, timetable issued, kit ordered
Entry Requirements
- Age 16+ (Year 12 or above)
- Assessment and interview or referral from a local authority/school
- Commitment to attendance, learning, and code of conduct
- Students with EHCPs considered in partnership with local authority support teams
Cohort Size & Availability
- Maximum annual intake: 20 students
- Small-group learning ensures personalised support
- Places fill quickly; applications are considered on a rolling basis
Safeguarding in Admissions
Our admissions process is fully safeguarding-led:
- All students undergo a needs and risk assessment prior to entry
- Parents/carers and commissioners provided with safeguarding policies
- Attendance monitored from day one; unexplained absences escalated within 24 hours
- Student and family induction covers welfare, safeguarding contacts, and expectations