Key Stage 4

Key Stage 4 long-term placements

We work with mainstream schools to help reduce permanent exclusions within the London Borough of Bexley. We aim to present alternate options to our partner schools, whilst working collaboratively to develop personalised plans to support pupils who fall into the 'at risk' category. These are known as long-term/alternative to permanent exclusion placements and these pupils remained dual-registered with their mainstream school.

To make a referral for a Key Stage 4 (KS4) long-term placement each school must complete a referral form providing evidence that a graduated approach has been taken to support pupils in school, a risk assessment and a Boxall profile and send these to horizonspanel@bexley.gov.uk. More details can be found here

If a pupil is offered a KS4 long term placement than the parent/carer of the child will be contacted to arrange a ‘Pre-admission’ meeting by the Head of Student Experience at Horizons Academy.

Key Stage 4 6th day provision

We understand that sometimes pupils will be permanently excluded from their mainstream school. When this happens we offer a placement for a pupil on the 6th day after their permanent exclusion from school on a single-registration basis.

Where a Year 10 pupil has been permanently excluded from school then we will present them at Fair Access Panel (FAP) so that they can return to mainstream education. These pupils remain on single-registration until they come off our roll.

Where a Year 11 pupil has been permanently excluded from school then they will remain at Horizons Academy Bexley for the remainder of the academic year on a single-registration basis.

Curriculum

Whilst attending Horizons Academy Bexley pupils will have access to a broad and balanced curriculum.

All of our students have access to the following core curriculum:

English (GCSE and Functional Skills Levels 1 and 2)
Maths (GCSE and Functional Skills Levels 1 and 2)
ICT (Functional Skills Levels 1)
Biology (GCSE)

The majority of our students are able to access options in a further 3/4 courses which enables them to achieve a potential accreditation outcome of 7- 8 qualifications during their time with us. We review our options annually to ensure these match to student interests and abilities. Options may include:

Art (GCSE)
Sport (BTEC/Sports Leaders)
Food and Nutrition (Level 2 / Home Cooking Skills Levels 1 and 2)
Construction (City and Guilds Level 1)
Health and Social Care (Level 1/2)
Hair and Beauty

At Key Stage 4, we offer a carefully structured and inclusive curriculum designed to provide strong foundations for pupils who have faced significant barriers to learning, including prolonged absence and disengagement from school. Our approach prioritises re-engagement, personal growth, and preparation for meaningful post-16 pathways. Central to our curriculum are core subjects - English and Maths - ensuring that every pupil has access to essential literacy and numeracy skills that support both academic achievement and everyday life. These are delivered in a supportive environment that meets learners where they are and helps them move forward with confidence. We place a strong emphasis on Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education and a robust tutor time programme, which together foster emotional resilience, self-awareness, and future career development. Pupils are encouraged to explore their aspirations, build interpersonal skills, and develop a sense of purpose and direction. To support physical and mental wellbeing, our curriculum includes PE and Fit, Fuelled, Focussed sessions, designed to strengthen both body and mind. These sessions promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and self-regulation. We also recognise the importance of digital literacy in today’s world, and ensure that pupils develop essential digital skills that support learning, communication, and future employment opportunities. In addition, pupils engage with a diverse range of vocational subjects, carefully selected to reignite passion for learning and provide opportunities for success and pride. These subjects are delivered through practical, hands-on experiences and are aligned with recognised qualifications, enabling many pupils to continue their studies in these areas post-16 at a higher level. Our Key Stage 4 curriculum is not just about academic progress—it’s about rebuilding confidence, nurturing ambition, and creating pathways to a positive future.