Skip to content

About Alternative Provision

What is AP?

  • Alternative Provision (AP) in the UK refers to education arranged for children who cannot attend mainstream school for various reasons, such as exclusion, illness, behavioural challenges, or special educational needs. It ensures that these pupils still receive a suitable education tailored to their individual circumstances. AP can be both registered schools and unregistered providers.
  • AP may be used by schools as a short-term placement for specific intervention and/or support

Who it's for

  • Pupils who are permanently excluded.
  • Pupils with medical or mental health needs.
  • Pupils at risk of exclusion or on fixed-term exclusions.
  • Pupils experiencing significant barriers to education.

Types of Provision:

GCC AP Schools and Providers

Alternative Provision (AP) registered schools have the same delegated powers and duties as maintained schools and are no longer a central service provided by the Local Authority.

The Local Authority commissions a number of places from the AP schools to provide education for children; however, schools can contact the AP school directly to discuss what may be available to support them with children at risk of exclusion.