Principal's Welcome

I am proud and honoured to be the Principal of Richard Barnes Academy, a two-campus alternative provision setting where all stakeholders work effectively and enthusiastically to ensure success for learners.

Richard Barnes Academy enables young people to change the direction of their lives. Through positive relationships and a strong focus on our three pillars of Safe, Character and Ambition, our young people have the opportunity to re-engage with education, taking ownership of their lives and their choices.

We support young people who struggle with conventional education or, due to changing and sometimes traumatic events in their lives, need some time in an alternative provision setting. The length of stay at our academy is dependent upon each learner’s individual pathway.

Our alternative provision includes a firm focus on supporting, engaging and raising the aspirations of every young person. All learners work towards achieving meaningful qualifications that will allow them to transition back into a mainstream school or onto a Post-16 course at one of our local Further Education providers.

We believe that all young people have the potential to become successful adults. Strong and healthy relationships with our pupils, and with each other, mean that staff really know the pupils and their needs and can ensure success is achieved by providing exactly the right support at the right time. Learning will always be placed at the heart of Richard Barnes Academy and is key to the success of all our pupils. 

One of our greatest assets at Richard Barnes Academy is our staff, who go above and beyond to promote a love of learning which enhances pupils’ achievement and supports their personal, social and emotional development. We provide another chance for young people to access education, make progress and change the direction of their lives. 

We are a truly inclusive school, where our young peoples’ needs come first. We are committed to working with, and alongside, our families and multi-agency partners to offer the support that learners need to make a real difference in their lives. Due to the vulnerabilities of our young people and their families, safeguarding expectations and practices are at the highest level and are regularly reviewed to maintain best practice.

This website will provide you with a wealth of information, however it is no substitute for a visit to our school. Please contact Sharon Butt at SButt@rjba.education if you’d like to book a visit or need further information.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you and your family into our Richard Barnes Academy community.

Claire Everton – Principal