South Park Enterprise College occupies a purpose-built campus in Scunthorpe, serving local families across North Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. As part of the Keys Group, this independent secondary and post-16 provider specialises in supporting students aged 11 to 19 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The college maintains a total capacity of 150 students, although it often operates with smaller, more intimate cohorts to ensure every student receives individualised attention. The school focuses on students with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, many of whom have experienced previous rejection in mainstream education.
At drop-off, the gates reveal a setting designed specifically to lower anxiety and foster a sense of security. The site at Newdown Court is modern and manageable, featuring a multi-use games area and dedicated social spaces where pupils can socialise with their friends. This environment is less about the formal pressure of traditional schools and more about creating a safe, nurturing space for students to rediscover their potential.
Mr Mark Panting has led the school as Headteacher, bringing a sharp focus on embedding a curriculum that meets the complex needs of his students. The atmosphere is defined by the school's EPIC values: Respect, Trust, Resilience, and Tolerance. These principles are not just slogans; they are woven into the daily life of the school to help students develop into successful citizens.
In 2024, the college achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 4.5. While this figure may appear lower than mainstream averages, it represents a solid achievement for a cohort where 0% of pupils entered the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) pathway. Instead, the focus remains on core subjects and vocational success.
The school ranks 10th in Scunthorpe for GCSE outcomes according to FindMySchool proprietary rankings. This position reflects the school's status within the national lower percentile band (bottom 40% in England). However, for parents, the most significant metric is often the progress made from a starting point of significant educational disruption.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
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% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is built around four key strands: academic, personal development, vocational, and enrichment activities. Leaders have recently placed a sharp focus on embedding a new reading curriculum and a revised personal, social, and health education (PSHE) programme to ensure students are well-prepared for life beyond the school gates.
Teaching is delivered in small groups by a cohesive team of skilled staff. The focus is on sequential learning, moving from non-formal environments to formal qualifications. This approach ensures that students who have previously been "confused and angry" with the education system can achieve their full potential socially and academically.
The extracurricular programme is designed to promote inclusion through activity-related learning. The multi-use games area at the main site is a hub for physical activity, complemented by further exercise equipment. These facilities allow students to exercise and build social bonds in a structured, safe environment.
The STEM provision at South Park is integrated into the vocational and academic strands. The curriculum aims to create self-efficient learners with aspirations for technical and practical careers. By identifying learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom, the school addresses technical needs through functional ICT and applied science.
Transition planning is a core strength. The school aims to provide positive destinations for all leavers, typically moving students into local further education colleges or apprenticeships. In the measuring period, while there were no students registered in the sixth form at the time of the last inspection, the school is registered up to age 19 and actively prepares students for the transition to post-16 environments or employment.
Applications for South Park Enterprise College typically occur through the Local Authority's SEND team. Because all pupils have an EHCP, the admission process involves a formal assessment of whether the school can meet the specific needs of the child.
Step one involves an initial enquiry by parents, carers, or the local authority. This is followed by a thorough assessment of the EHCP and professional reports. Once a placement is facilitated, the school provides continuous support to ensure the student settles into their new routine.
Pastoral care is the school's primary engine. Every student's needs are addressed throughout the day to promote an environment where they feel safe and nurtured. The staff are highly attentive, listening to individual needs and providing specialist support tailored to unique emotional requirements.
The school operates during standard term-time hours. While specific wraparound care hours are not published on the school's official site, parents are encouraged to contact the school directly for current arrangements. The college is situated on the South Park Industrial Estate, making it accessible via Newdown Road for local families.
Fees at South Park Enterprise College range from £42,000 to £62,000 per year for day pupils. It is important to note that because the school serves students with EHCPs, these fees are typically funded by the commissionining Local Authority rather than private families.
As a specialized independent school, standard bursaries and scholarships are not the primary route for funding. Instead, the placement is commissioned based on the necessity of the specialised SEMH provision.
South Park Enterprise College is a vital alternative for students who have found mainstream education impossible to navigate. It offers a fresh approach to meeting complex needs, backed by a Good Ofsted rating. Best suited to students with an EHCP for SEMH who require a nurturing, safe environment to rebuild their confidence.
Yes; the latest Ofsted inspection in January 2024 rated the school Good. Inspectors found that leaders have a sharp focus on the curriculum and that the school provides a safe, nurturing environment for its pupils.
Annual fees for day pupils range from £42,000 to £62,000. For the vast majority of students, these fees are covered by the Local Authority as part of the student's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The Headteacher is Mr Mark Panting, who has been credited with leading a cohesive team and introducing a fresh approach to meet the complex needs of the students.
Yes; the school is registered for students up to the age of 19. While the number of sixth-form students varies year to year, the college is fully equipped to provide post-16 education focused on vocational and personal development.
The school follows the EPIC values: Respect, Trust, Resilience, and Tolerance. These values underpin the entire educational experience and aim to help students become successful citizens.
Get in touch with the school directly
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