Summit AP is a specialist Alternative Provision based in the North East, supporting secondary-aged students who require additional help to re-engage with education. We provide small, personalised programmes that focus on academic progress, personal growth, and real-world experiences.

Our provision is designed for students in Key Stages 3 and 4 who may be struggling to thrive in a mainstream environment. This could include those facing challenges with behaviour, attendance, confidence, or engagement, or those who would benefit from a more hands-on, supportive approach to learning.

We keep group sizes deliberately small — with a maximum of eight students per cohort. This ensures every learner receives the individual attention, support, and mentoring they need to make meaningful progress.

Placement duration is flexible and tailored to the needs and context of each student. Some placements run for a few weeks, while others continue over a full term or longer, depending on the support required and in collaboration with the referring school or local authority.

We offer two flexible placement models:

3 day placement (Monday–Wednesday)
2 day placement (Thursday–Friday)

These options allow schools and local authorities to select the provision that best complements a student’s existing timetable.

Students can work towards NCFE-regulated Functional Skills or equivalent qualifications in English, Mathematics, Digital Literacy, and Interpersonal Skills.

All NCFE qualifications are regulated by Ofqual in England and recognised by Qualifications Wales and CCEA in Northern Ireland, ensuring national credibility and value to employers and educators.

Our curriculum balances academic intervention with enrichment and personal development. Students take part in Functional Skills learning, Personal, Social and Emotional Education (PSE), Outdoor & Adventurous Education, Work placements with trusted employers and Team-building and wellbeing sessions.

Student wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Summit AP has a Service Level Agreement with a leading Safeguarding Consultancy Service, ensuring best practice across all aspects of our work.
All staff are fully trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and receive ongoing professional development in safeguarding, de-escalation, and physical intervention.
Regular safeguarding audits, supervision, and safer recruitment practices ensure our environment is safe, nurturing, and compliant with KCSIE 2025.

We maintain close communication with all stakeholders. Schools and parents receive weekly progress reports, including updates on attendance, academic achievement, personal development, and engagement. This transparency helps ensure consistency and smooth reintegration.

Every student who completes their placement and returns to their home school takes part in a Celebration and Reintegration Pledge event.
This formal celebration, attended by parents and school representatives, allows students to share their achievements and commit to the next stage of their journey. The pledge is co-signed by the student, family, school, and Summit AP, reinforcing accountability and pride.

Schools and local authorities can commission places directly by contacting Summit AP. We work collaboratively to identify suitable students, agree placement length and structure, and tailor support to meet individual needs.

Our ethos sets us apart:
High Expectations. Real-life Experiences. Lasting Change.

We combine academic qualifications with wellbeing, adventure, and employability — helping young people not only to overcome barriers but to develop the skills and confidence they need to move forward successfully.