TAS Group

TAS Group is the parent of a collection of independent schools which specialise in providing an inno

16/07/2025

📣 Reminder: Parent Carer Day – Today!
A reminder that today is Parent Carer Day – pupils are expected to attend their scheduled meetings with staff.

After today, school will be closed for the summer break. We look forward to welcoming all pupils back on 1st September for another exciting year of learning, growth, and achievement! 🌟

Have a safe, happy summer – we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

📩 Safeguarding Support:
If you require any safeguarding assistance during the holiday, please contact [email protected].

07/07/2025

🎤 TAS Trust: Come and Hear Our Story – Event Recap

On Friday, we proudly hosted our TAS Trust Presentation: Come and Hear Our Story – a powerful afternoon that gave attendees a real insight into what makes TAS intentionally different.

We welcomed professionals, educators, care providers and partners from across sectors to connect, collaborate, and hear directly from the people who bring TAS to life.

🧡 The event opened with Kirsty-Anne Pugh, Proprietor of TAS Trust, who shared the TAS journey – from its founding values to its continued growth, and the vision that underpins everything we do.

💬 Our dedicated staff delivered powerful insights into our four bespoke educational models, with a spotlight on therapeutic approaches including a talk from our Speech and Language Therapist on the vital role of communication support.

🌍 Kirsty S followed with an inspiring presentation about the international travel opportunities we offer our pupils, helping broaden horizons and boost self-belief.

🎙️ We were honoured to hear from two incredible guest speakers:

Clarke Carlisle, who shared his personal journey and spoke movingly about the transformative impact of the TAS approach.
Hornby & Birtwistle Coaching, who introduced the exciting partnership that will bring equestrian therapy into our therapeutic curriculum.
The afternoon was full of inspiration, purpose and pride. For those who couldn’t attend—this is just the beginning. We’re looking forward to hosting more events like this soon.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative for young people with SEMH, SEN and high needs.

30/06/2025

🏕 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition Success 🥾

Last week, eight of our pupils from across our campuses took part in their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition—and what an incredible achievement it was!

Our pupils demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and determination throughout the two-day challenge. Day one saw them complete an 8-mile walk, cook their own evening meal, and pitch their tents—followed by a game of football and a campfire to end the evening.

On day two, they took down their tents and set off on a further 5-mile trek, navigating their way using only a map and compass. The route took them through Barley and up the iconic Pendle Hill, all while facing tough weather conditions including rain and fog.

Despite the challenges, the pupils remained positive and cheerful throughout. They should be incredibly proud of themselves—as are all of us at TAS Trust Independent Specialist School.

Well done to everyone involved! 🌟

24/06/2025

✨ WE’RE ON TIKTOK! ✨📱

We’re excited to share that our schools now have a joint TikTok account! 🎥
This is your chance to get even more updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and a deeper look into all things TAS.

From daily life in our schools to special trips, pupil achievements, and how we’re intentionally different — it’s all there.

Follow us to see how we make learning meaningful, inclusive and fun every single day.

🔍 Search: on TikTok
👀 Get a closer look at our values in action

24/06/2025

🎉 Celebrating Success Across the TAS Trust! 🎉

In November 2024, we welcomed our third ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) inspection — and we’re proud to share that all standards were met.

This is a huge achievement, and we are incredibly proud of our staff, pupils and wider school community who contribute every day to making our schools safe, supportive and successful places to learn.

✅ All standards met
🏫 A reflection of our consistent care, commitment and quality
👏 A celebration of what we do best — providing meaningful education for every pupil

As a Trust, we are thrilled with this result and invite you to read the full story on our website.

📎 [https://www.thealternativeschool.co.uk/the-alternative-school-praised-by-independent-schools-inspectorate/]

23/05/2025

MEET OUR NEW EXECUTIVE HEAD ✨

We’re delighted to welcome Neil Reynolds as the new Executive Headteacher of The Alternative School Trust (TAS), a network of eight specialist schools across Lancashire.

Neil brings over 25 years of experience in education, alongside leadership skills gained from a successful career in football management — including roles at FC United of Manchester and Warrington Rylands. His background in both sectors has shaped a leadership style focused on teamwork, trust, and high standards.

Neil said:

“We provide the kind of responsive, human-centred education that so many of our pupils have missed out on. My aim is to strengthen the trust’s strategic focus while keeping each school’s unique identity and strong community ties.”
TAS supports pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs through innovative and therapeutic approaches — from narrowboat learning and mobile classrooms to virtual tutoring. Neil’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter as the trust continues to grow and evolve.

Founder Kirsty-Anne Pugh added:

“Neil’s calm leadership and deep understanding of our pupils make him a perfect fit. He knows this work is about more than education — it’s about helping young people feel safe, valued, and supported.”

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Location

Barnoldswick

Contact the school

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Telephone

+441282851800

Website

http://www.thealternativeschool.co.uk/

Address

Barnoldswick
BB185DW

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	9am - 4:30pm
Thursday	9am - 4:30pm
Friday	9am - 4:30pm