The Whitley AP Academy
Whitley Phoenix Centre, Moorbottom Road, Halifax, HX2 9SROpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Whitley AP Academy is an alternative provision school in Halifax for ages 7 to 16. It is one of the 112 schools in Calderdale. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in December 2013.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 17 December 2013, report published 28 January 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 19 March 2024
The Whitley AP Academy teaches pupils to be respectful, responsible, resilient and reflective. The school has high expectations for pupils. Skilled staff support pupils to get back on track with learning. Pupils achieve well. They learn positive school routines to prepare them well for their next steps in education, training or employment. Most pupils join the school after a permanent exclusion from another school. Other pupils join the school if they need time away from mainstream schooling. All pupils have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Some pupils have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Others are assessed for an EHC plan while they attend this school. The school is supportive of pupils' individual needs. Leaders ensure that pupils experience a curriculum packed with academic, vocational and personal development learning opportunities. All pupils receive daily support to improve their reading. Pupils learn to develop their social skills. If they need help to manage their emotions, staff support them well with a kind and nurturing approach. The school is split across two sites. Younger pupils learn in a dedicated provision in a neighbouring primary school. Older pupils learn in a larger, purpose-built provision. Both buildings are modern and engaging. Staff and pupils have positive relationships. This ensures that pupils are happy and feel well supported in school.
What the school should improve
- Most staff have not been trained to address pupils' lack of early reading skills expertly. Pupils do not learn to read as quickly as they could. The school must ensure staff are upskilled to deliver the school's phonics programme confidently.
- Too many pupils do not attend school regularly. They do not make the academic progress of which they are capable. The school should continue to work with pupils and their families to overcome any barriers to regular attendance.
Pupil numbers and mix
58 pupils on roll, with places for 80
Schools near The Whitley AP Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted |
|---|---|---|
| Park Aspire Alternative Provision Academy | 6 miles | Ofsted: Good |
| Bradford Alternative Provision Academy | 7 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
| Ethos College | 10 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding |
| Reach Academy | 11 miles | Ofsted: Good |
| Engage Academy | 11 miles | Ofsted: Good |
School details
- School type
- Academy alternative provision converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- IMPACT EDUCATION MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Age range
- 7 to 16
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mr Phillip Hannah
- Phone
- 01422244181
- Address
- Whitley Phoenix Centre, Moorbottom Road, Halifax, HX2 9SR
- Local authority
- Calderdale
- URN
- 146204
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.