Co-op Academy Brierley is a special school which provides 200 places for children [of both sexes] in the age range 5-16 years with a range of identified SEN needs.  Specialist SEND settings are for children who require more support than can normally be provided in mainstream schools.

To be offered a place at a specialist provision, a child must have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). This is because they fall outside of the usual admissions' protocol.

Leeds City Council arrange admissions to special schools. 

If you want to apply for a place at Co-op Academy Brierley, you can contact Leeds SENSAP 0113 376 0062

SENSAP@leeds.gov.uk

Co-op Academy Brierley is not responsible for making the decisions for admission to our academy. The Local Authority will consult Co-op Academy Brierley as to whether we can meet the needs of your child and they will make the placement decision. Families are more than welcome to visit the school to help them to make an informed choice.

Parents and carers are able to state a preferred school. The schools are then consulted by the local authority to see if they can meet the needs of the child and/or secure an assessment placement.

Co-op Academy Brierley inform the local authority of available places and if we can meet a child's needs. The local authority then make a decision.  If Co-op Academy Brierley is over subscribed then the local authority decides whether Co-op Academy Brierley can offer additional places.

You can find further information by visiting: 

https://www.leedslocaloffer.org.uk/

Transition 

Transition information for our September 2025 new starters.

For anyone who was unable to attend the information session on June 19th 4-6pm, please contact us here: info.brierley@coopacademies.co.uk so that we can provide you with a transition pack individualised for your child.

 

We are delighted that your child will be joining us in September 2025. This is a very exciting time for the school as we increase to our full intake of 245 pupils in the new school year.

 

It has been a fantastic journey so far here at Brierley. We opened the doors in September 2023 to our first intake of 60 pupils at a temporary site at Co-op Academy Nightingale.

We finally moved to our state of the art building in November 2024 with a new intake of 145 pupils.

September 2025 will see the third and final phase of our school complete and we can’t wait to meet everyone!

 

We do not underestimate how tricky transitions can be for children with SEND, especially children who need lots of preparation and predictability. Despite the  number of new pupils arriving in September, we have thought very carefully about how we can support your child in the next stage of their education journey.

• Once the EHCP is final and names our school, our admin team will send out a welcome letter and admissions pack for you to complete and send in to school. Look out for this! If you have any difficulties completing paperwork please get in touch so that we can support you.

 

• A link to the transport application form will be sent to you; this is also on our website. Please remember to apply for transport, explaining any medical, behaviour needs your child may have. To be successful, it’s important to tell the Leeds transport SEND assessment team about your child’s needs in as much detail as possible.

 

• During the Summer term, a member of the Brierley team will arrange to visit your child in their current setting/ home to gather information and meet your child. We will ask a familiar member of staff in your child’s school to complete a pupil passport to help us get to know your child.

Transition days in school:

 

For all transition days including stay and play, children should be transported by parents/ carers. If there are any difficulties transporting children, please make contact with your school SENCO to ask if they can support.

Secondary Formal and Semi-Formal Learners

Children who will be in Year 7 or older in September, are invited to a full transition day in school July 1st 2025 9.30 - 2pm

Please bring your child to reception where they will be greeted. The day will focus on building rapport with staff and other new pupils; getting to know the building and having some fun! Please bring a packed lunch.

Pathway leaders will contact you with full details.

Foundation Learners

Children who will be Reception, Year 1  and a selected group of children in Year 2 in September will be invited in for a Stay and Play session on the 8th July along with parents/ carers. This will be 9.30-10.30.

Informal and primary Semi-Formal Learners

We’re holding a  half day transition session on either the 3rd of July or the 10th July depending on your child’s class. This session will take place between 9.30 and 12.00. Parents/ carers should bring and collect children on these days.

Pathway leads will send out more information.

 

So what happens now? Is there anything you can do to get ready for September?

 

Definitely make sure that:

• Transport applications are complete and sent to the SEND transport team here:

send.transportapplications@leeds.gov.uk

• Admissions documents are complete and returned to school

• Any healthcare questionnaires are returned asap so that our health team can contact you to gather further informatio