Flexible Learning School serves as a vital alternative for students in Birmingham who have found the traditional secondary environment unworkable. Located in Hockley, the school occupies a converted industrial space on All Saints Road, reflecting its urban, non-traditional identity. It operates as an independent provider for students aged 13 to 16, typically entering at the start of Key Stage 4.
The school's primary mission is the re-engagement of young people with education. Many students arrive with significant gaps in their schooling or having experienced exclusion. With a capacity for 140 students, it provides a smaller, more adaptable setting than a standard comprehensive. While academic metrics differ from mainstream expectations, the focus here is on securing basic qualifications and vocational pathways for those who might otherwise leave the system entirely.
The latest Ofsted inspection, conducted in May 2025, rated the school Good overall. Notably, it achieved Outstanding for Personal Development and Leadership and Management, highlighting the significant impact the school has on its students' life trajectories.
The atmosphere at Flexible Learning School is deliberately different from a standard school. The environment is less formal, designed to lower the anxiety levels of students who may have had negative experiences with authority or rigid school structures. The staff team prioritises building trust, often acting as mentors as much as instructors.
Shamim Akhtar has led the school since its founding in 2008, serving as both Headteacher and Proprietor. Her long-standing leadership has stabilized the school's identity as a place where students are given a fresh start. There is a visible focus on mutual respect rather than a high-stakes disciplinary culture.
While the red-brick and metal exterior of the Hockley building may look utilitarian, the interior is organised into small classroom hubs and vocational workshops. This layout prevents students from feeling overwhelmed by large crowds or noise, which is a common trigger for those who have struggled in mainstream education.
Academic performance at Flexible Learning School must be viewed through the lens of its intake. Students often arrive mid-way through secondary school with low prior attainment. Consequently, standard GCSE metrics do not tell the full story of student progress.
In the 2024 GCSE results, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 7.7. This reflects a curriculum focused on a small number of core functional skills and vocational qualifications rather than a full suite of EBacc subjects. Indeed, 0% of students achieved grades 5 or above in the EBacc, as the school prioritises practical and accessible certifications over the academic English Baccalaureate.
The school ranks 107th among secondary providers in Birmingham and 4,120th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance sits within the lower 10% of schools in England (national lower band), a position typical for alternative providers where the priority is re-integration and basic competency rather than high-grade academic competition.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching at Flexible Learning School is delivered in small groups, often with high adult-to-student ratios. The curriculum is heavily weighted toward Functional Skills in English and Mathematics, alongside a range of vocational options such as Construction, Hair and Beauty, or Motor Vehicle studies.
Staff use a highly scaffolded approach to learning, breaking tasks down into manageable segments to help students rebuild their confidence. There is a strong emphasis on project-based work, which allows students to see the practical application of their studies.
External assessments confirm that pupils achieve well through a broad curriculum, overcoming learning barriers effectively. The school uses a bespoke tracking system to monitor small steps of progress, ensuring that even students with low attendance or prior trauma can see their own improvement.
As the school only caters to students up to Year 11, the transition at age 16 is the critical milestone. The school does not have its own sixth form, meaning every student must move on to external provision.
The majority of leavers progress to further education colleges in Birmingham, such as South and City College Birmingham, to continue vocational training. A smaller percentage enters apprenticeships or direct employment with training. The school employs a dedicated transitions officer who works with students from Year 10 to ensure they have a secured destination, preventing a return to NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) status.
Flexible Learning School is an independent school, but it functions primarily as a commissioned service. Most students are referred by Birmingham City Council or by local mainstream schools as an alternative to permanent exclusion.
Parents can theoretically apply directly, but because the school specialises in alternative provision, almost all placements are funded via the Local Authority. There are no entrance exams. Instead, the school conducts an interview and an assessment of the student's needs and history to ensure the environment is a suitable fit.
The school currently has capacity for 140 students. While it is not oversubscribed in the traditional sense, places are allocated based on the urgency of the student's need for an alternative setting.
Pastoral care is the cornerstone of the school's operation. Every student is assigned a key worker who monitors their attendance and emotional wellbeing daily. Because many students have experienced significant disruption, the school invests heavily in social and emotional support.
Safeguarding is a clear strength, with the latest inspection confirming that the school meets all independent school standards. The school works closely with external agencies, including social services and youth offending teams, to provide a joined-up support network for the most vulnerable students. Pupils show impressive behaviour, supported by strong relationships and positive reinforcement.
Extracurricular life is focused on life skills and personal development rather than traditional school clubs. The Skills for Life programme includes cooking, budgeting, and basic home maintenance.
The school also utilises local facilities for physical education, including Hockley Flyover's urban sports spaces and local community gyms. These activities are designed to help students build physical confidence and learn to navigate their local community safely and constructively.
The school day typically runs from 9:00am to 2:30pm, a slightly shorter day than mainstream schools, which helps maintain focus for students with shorter attention spans. There is no formal wraparound care, but the school provides a breakfast club for students arriving early.
Transport is often a consideration for students in this sector. The school is well-served by West Midlands Buses, with several routes stopping near All Saints Road. For students with specific SEND requirements, the Local Authority may provide transport.
As an independent school, Flexible Learning School does charge fees, though these are almost exclusively paid by the Local Authority or the referring school. For 2025-2026, the estimated cost per place is approximately £16,500 per annum.
Financial aid in the form of traditional scholarships or bursaries is not offered by the school directly, as the intake is predominantly state-funded via referrals. Families whose children are referred to the school do not pay tuition fees themselves.
Flexible Learning School provides a vital safety net for Birmingham students who have been underserved or overwhelmed by mainstream education. It replaces academic pressure with a focus on stability, trust, and vocational skills. It is best suited to Year 9 and 10 students who are at risk of disengaging entirely and who require a smaller, more human-centric approach to finish their compulsory education.
Flexible Learning School provides a strong alternative for students who struggle in mainstream settings. The latest Ofsted inspection in May 2025 rated it Good overall, with Outstanding for Personal Development and Leadership.
The school is an independent provider, but fees are typically paid by the Local Authority or the referring mainstream school. For 2025-2026, the estimated annual cost is £16,500.
No, the school only caters to students between the ages of 13 and 16. All students must transition to a local college or apprenticeship provider after Year 11.
Most students are referred through Birmingham City Council or as a managed move from another secondary school. Direct applications are rare and usually involve Local Authority funding.
The curriculum focuses on GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths, alongside vocational subjects such as Construction, Hair and Beauty, and Motor Vehicle studies.
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