Vision and Values

East Sussex Skills Academy is industry driven; enables enterprise opportunities; is underpinned by rigour and supported by strong partnerships. Students experience simulated work environments within six broad vocational areas. They study valued vocational qualifications alongside traditional core academic subjects, as part of a broad and balanced curriculum.

Industry Driven

Staff model and promote appropriate behaviours and industry expectations. Students will wear work appropriate uniforms, adhere to our behaviour standards, undertake probationary reviews and appraisals and are supported to develop the characteristics required for success in East Sussex Skills Academy and beyond.

Students benefit from a wide range of experiences and pastoral support; underpinned by consistent practice, expectations and standards. The vocational learning environment simulates work settings with high quality equipment and ‘pod’ classrooms with ICT capability for theory and assessment work.

Rigour

Expectations and aspirations are high. Students referred to East Sussex Skills Academy will have barriers to accessing a traditional mainstream curriculum and will benefit from our engaging, kinaesthetically focused, yet balanced curriculum with significant careers input and support. Key stage 3 students will see if East Sussex Skills Academy is the right setting for them in Key Stage 4, or will alternatively return to their mainstream schools with renewed focus, aspiration and ambition. Key stage 4 students will progress at the end of year 11 with significant attainment, confidence and a thorough knowledge of the world of work and their place within this.

Outstanding practice from existing schools underpins the rigour of the curriculum, teaching and learning, behaviour management and the pastoral system. High quality Maths, English and Science tuition ensures students develop core knowledge and skills in these areas and can transfer them to industry settings. 

Partnerships

East Sussex Skills Academy offers an in depth Work Experience program where we seek strategic support from employers to offer a wide range of opportunities for our students. We work closely with the students to ensure they receive a placement that aligns with their strengths and interests to best see them thrive both in and after their time at East Sussex Skills Academy.

We welcome school representatives, students and their parents/carers, employers and community from across East Sussex. The physical environment sets the tone as a high quality and aspirational school which supports all students to develop the knowledge, skills and characteristics required to thrive.