Get in Touch
- Academy Type: Alternative Provision (AP) Academy
- Principal & Main Contact: Russell Clarke
- Senior Administrator: Claire Lawson
- Careers Leader: Tom Harding - tharding@waveedu.org
- Designated Safeguarding Lead: Jane Cottrell – jcottrell@waveedu.org
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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead:
Russell Clarke – rclarke@waveedu.org
Jonathan Gates - jgates@waveedu.org
- Address: The Shoreline Academy (Secondary). Springfield Court, Fishleigh Road, Barnstaple. Devon. EX31 3UD. The Shoreline Academy (Primary). Clearwater House, Love Lane. Bideford. EX39 3AU.
- Phone: 01271 386333 (secondary) / 01237 429283 (Primary)
- Email: shoreline@waveedu.org
- Opening Times: 09:00 - 14:30, 27.5 hours per week
About
The Shoreline Academy is located in North Devon. There are two sites, one located in Barnstaple for secondary pupils and the other located in Bideford.
Our Bideford site hosts our Primary and Nurture pupils; we aim to focus on emotional needs and development in a whole-academy environment. We recognise that all children are different and learn at different rates. Individuals should feel supported and challenged in their learning. Sometimes children face barriers to learning; in a Nurturing environment staff provide support, guidance, and model positive relationships.
Our aim is to work closely with primary and secondary schools in North Devon and beyond to provide support to the most vulnerable pupils.
Our pupils come to us at various points throughout their schooling, usually as a result of their school placement having broken down. Our purpose is to support pupils to create an environment where everyone can grow and develop, as they become responsible citizens and lifelong learners. Our role is to help pupils get back on track, either through a transition to a more permanent education setting or, for our older pupils, by completing Year 11 with The Shoreline Academy.
We work closely with a diverse range of outside agencies both statutory and voluntary so that our pupils and their families can access the support and guidance they need. We are committed to tailoring our curriculum to meet the needs of our pupils, developing a range of skills knowledge, attitudes and understanding so all our pupils can aspire to reach their full potential.
Devon's Local Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Offer
For Careers information please click on the following link:
Staff
Russell Clarke
Principal
Russell’s teaching career began in Birmingham after completing a BSc (Hons) in secondary design and technology Education at Nottingham Trent University in 1998. Much of his experience is in pastoral support within mainstream schools. His previous leadership roles have included Senior Head of Learning and Guidance, Assistant Head Teacher and Deputy Head teacher. Russell’s family relocated to Devon in 2016 and he was appointed Vice Principal at Shoreline Academy in July 2017, becoming Principal in Sep 2022.
Jonathan Gates
Acting Assistant Head of School
More information coming soon!
Jane Cottrell
Pastoral Support Manager
Jane has over 16 years’ experience within schools in Devon, having graduated from The University of Plymouth with an Honours Degree in Education and Training. She has undertaken a range of training opportunities to further enhance this qualification. She has always been passionate about forming and maintaining positive family ties and believes that supporting vulnerable students and their families will improve their educational attainment and emotional wellbeing. She has extensive experience in working with other agencies to ensure families and young people can access the services they need. Jane is a Thrive practitioner, this ethos and training is at the heart of her working practice in supporting young people to form trusting, appropriate relationships and become more emotionally resilient. When she’s not at work Jane enjoys cooking, listening to music, especially live concerts, and travelling with her family.
Caroline Maher
SENCo
This is my first year as SENDCo and I am already enjoying this new direction in my teaching career. I know that there will be many challenges but I believe that the rewards will be more than worth it!
I have been teaching English for seventeen years in mainstream and alternative provision schools in Liverpool and North Devon. I am passionate about children becoming good readers as I think that this is the key to good Literacy skills and improved life chances.
Before I studied at university to become a teacher, I trained to be a nurse and worked for many years on the wards and in the operating theatres of hospitals in Cheltenham and Liverpool. I feel that my nursing experience enhanced my teaching as it taught me patience and empathy!
I moved to Barnstaple from Liverpool four years ago as I am originally from the South West and wanted to return to my roots! My main hobbies are horse riding and reading. I have my own horse and we have lovely rides out together in the beautiful North Devon countryside. I read at every opportunity and I love my Kindle as I can download the next book immediately!
Our Curriculum at The Shoreline
Our individualised curriculum is designed to enable students to develop a sense of personal responsibility towards learning in collaboration with their teachers and support staff. Progress is monitored carefully and targets are designed to challenge and provide opportunity for progression.
Our curriculum is unique; however, we have developed a core curriculum offer, which is:
- Ambitious and aspirational. Carefully and coherently planned and sequenced over time. This includes accessing future learning, training or employment.
- Prepares our pupils for life in modern society, showing an appreciation of Fundamental British Values as well International Awareness.
- Broad, balanced and full, accessing academic and vocational learning across a range of National Curriculum subjects at Key Stages 1-4 and personalised so all learners are supported in achieving their true potential.
- Enhanced by a rich programme of out of class learning experiences.
- Delivered in an inclusive, caring, nurturing environment in which all learners feel valued and safe.
- Gives consideration to the labour market in the South West. Preparing our pupils for the local workforce and beyond.
At The Shoreline Academy, we deliver this core curriculum offer through a four-part model, based on the recognition that every experience from which our pupils learn in school can be seen as part of the school curriculum.
Primary - Clearwater House
At our Primary and Nurture site aim to focus on emotional needs and development in a whole-academy environment. We recognise that all children are different and learn at different rates. Individuals should feel supported and challenged in their learning. Sometimes children face barriers to learning; in a Nurturing environment staff provide support, guidance, and model positive. Children will be equipped with a breadth of skills to progress socially, academically and creatively, we will encourage and model play, nurture and positive relationships to enable successful transition.
Reading is taught through the Read Write Inc Systematic Synthetic Phonics validated programme.
We run a 'rolling programme' where pupils are taught in mixed age classes and remain with us for longer than a Year. Ongoing Assessment helps us to find and support gaps in learning. Careful assessment in Maths and Reading, for example, ensures planning supports the curriculum and pupils receive appropriate teaching according to stage; that pupils in mixed year classes are moved forwards in learning, in Science and History, for example-without repeating content or missing out on conceptual knowledge.
Key Stage 3
We run a 'rolling programme' where pupils are taught in mixed year group classes at Key Stage 3 due to small class numbers, and who may remain with Alternative Provision for longer than a Year. (Though we remain short stay). Our spiral design ensures each pupils receives teaching of the knowledge, understanding and skills within this planning they need from their various starting points. It is flexible and dynamic enough to be able to respond to need in this way- in Maths and Science, for example,-but draws from the National Curriculum. For example, see our Curriculum blog about Science at KS3. See
In Key Stage 3, here is a sample of a typical academic taught curriculum our students may receive - see PDF below. For more information, please contact us.
Key Stage 4
Here are the qualifications we teach at The Shoreline Academy, as well as our enriched and PSHE/RSE programme of study and Careers guidance. For more details, please contact us.
- AQA English Language
- AQA English Literature
- AQA Biology
- AQA Mathematics
- Btec Introductory Level 1 Sport
- Btec Introductory Level 1 Art and Design
- Btec Introductory Level 1 Transport and Vehicle
- Btec Level 2 Personal Growth and Wellbeing
- Btec Level 1 & 2 Home cooking
- Btec Level 2 Work Skills
- Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety Certificate
- Angling Trust- Get fishing Award
- British Canoeing - Paddle start Award
- St John Ambulance – First Aid module Certification
We also offer Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths, as well as Step Up/Entry Level.
We have a team entered in for the Ten Tors, Victoria Challenge this year and are setting up Duke of Edinburgh opportunity during 2022.
Students consider The Shoreline Academy to be a safe place to learn and that every day is a fresh start.
Subject Areas

Maths

English & Reading

Science

Careers

DT & Vocational

Humanities

PE & Learning Outside the Classroom (LOTC)

PSHCE

Art & Creativity
Students explore the seven key elements; line, shape, tone, colour, form, space and texture in art. The curriculum is project-based so students can take ownership of their work and the direction they want to follow. The students are able to use a wide range of different media including; paint, pastel, charcoal, fabric, pens, pencil, clay to build their confidence over the course of the projects. The projects look at all different types of cultures and cover a wide range of different types of art; graphic, illustration, fine, pop, street and 3D art. All students have access to facilities allowing them to use techniques such as spray painting and lino painting, and a workshop with a kiln for exploring 3D work with a range of tools and materials. All students have the opportunity to display their art in a local art gallery.

Motor Vehicle Studies
Here at the academy we have a purpose built motor vehicle studies workshop where students get the chance to get really hands on. Students learn new skills from right across the motor vehicle industry, from health and safety to vehicle inspections and valeting. These skills can offer KS4 students the chance to gain an industry recognised qualification. KS3 students can also perform personal projects from bike builds to creative metalwork. Whether you are planning a career in the motor trade or not, these are great life skills to have.
Latest News
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Wave Spring Newsletter
Here is our Wave Spring Term Newsletter. Find out what we have been getting up to across the Trust this Spring. Wave Newsletter Spring 23 ...Read More -
Wave pupils celebrate results and progress!
Across the Trust we are very proud of the progress of our pupils. Through a difficult couple of years for pupils in schools nationally due to the disruption caused by the pandemic, our pupils have per...Read More -
Wave Pupils Take on the Ten Tors Challenge!
Huge congratulations to the team of pupils from The Shoreline Academy who took part in this year’s Ten Tors challenge. ...Read More -
Guide for leaders in alternative provision (AP)
22nd May 2020 Attached is a guide for leaders in alternative provision (AP) which has been written by a number of us who lead trusts, provisions and networks across the country. We hoped it might be ...Read More -
Coronavirus (Covid-19) - Academy Opening Update
18th May 2020 Last week the Government announced that the next phase of school reopening will begin from June 1st 2020 provided that it’s key tests are met. This marks a first tentative staging poi...Read More
Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy
The Shoreline Academy recognises that the safety and welfare of children is paramount and that we have a responsibility to protect children in all of our academy activities. We take all reasonable steps to ensure, through appropriate procedures and training, that all children, irrespective of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexual identity or social status, are protected from abuse.
We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow procedures to ensure that children and young people receive effective support, protection and justice.
We listen to our pupils and take seriously whet they tell us, children are aware of the adults they can talk to if they have a concern. When there are concerns for a child's welfare, we may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies. We will ensure concerns are discussed with parents/.carers first unless we have reason to believe that by doing so would be contrary to the child's welfare.
Our Child Protection and Safeguarding policy underpins and guides our safeguarding procedures and protocols.