Background to Alternative Learning Trust -
Alternative Learning Trust (ALT) is a multi-academy trust (MAT) for Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), Alternative Provisions (APs), and specialist settings. We are a collaborative trust and believe the most sustainable developments and improvements come from working together. We are driven to transform the educational experiences of all children and young people, offering them opportunities to reach sustainable outcomes for the rest of their lives. These values are accompanied by excellent pedagogy, vibrant curriculum models, and responsible governance.
The Alternative Learning Trust became a multi-academy trust (MAT company number 11788031) in June 2019. There are currently Six schools within the Trust, The Limes College, Saffron Valley Collegiate, Estuary Academy North, Will Adams Academy, Estuary Academy Island and Nore Academy. The Trust has been established to work with Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) and alternative providers who support vulnerable students to access and engage with education. Many of our students have special educational needs and some have been excluded from mainstream education.
As a Trust we have the following core set of values for our staff and the families we support: • the need for people to flourish in all areas of their lives; • we are stronger through a sense of community; • social justice is vital. Our Kent & Medway Hub
Background to Estuary Academy North
Estuary Academy North is located in Gravesend, Kent and has been on a considerable and fast-paced journey, making exciting and positive strides forward. We have an amazing team who are focused on providing the best outcomes for our students, promoting positive behaviour for learning and creating a high-quality teaching environment. Ofsted say that ‘For many pupils, their time at Estuary Academy North is transformational.’ We strongly believe in this moral purpose and seek to continue to grow the exceptional team working to achieve this. With the right facilities and a well renowned SEND department, now is the time to come and work with us. Recent Ofsted – Good with Outstanding for personal development. Once employed you will be given excellent support and training as we want to upskill the right candidate to ensure we have an excellent support team for our young people.
Background to Will Adams Academy
Will Adams Academy is located in Gillingham and joined Alternative Learning Trust in April 2022. The school has recently reorganised their structure and is working closely with our Gravesend school in sharing facilities, expertise and curriculum development. Ofsted outcome – Good. Will Adams is our smallest Kent & Medway hub school with only 45 children, but it is also home to our exceptional SEMH Assessment Centre and Apollo Training programmes which are commissioned by the Medway Local Authority.
Background to Estuary Academy Island
Estuary Academy Island is located on the Isle of Sheppey, is our Alternative provision which initially opened in September 2024 to provide education for up to 115 students. It offers a broad and balanced learning journey for students in Years 7 – 11 with a broad range of vocational qualifications available as well as traditional GCSEs in core subjects. Our aim is to provide pathways which lead to exciting onward opportunities in education or workplaces.
Background to Nore Academy
Nore Academy is located on the Isle of Sheppey and opened its doors early in 2025 catering for young people aged 11-16 with a primary need of SEMH and other related areas of SEN such as ASC and communication difficulties. The first phase of opening saw 48 pupils joins across KS3 and 4 and we are currently growing to 72 places in 2025, many of whom may have been out of school for some time and desperately need support from ambitious, driven teaching and support staff who care deeply about pupils’ emotional as well as academic development.