Alternative Provision
Offering young people an alternative space to thrive in their education.
OpenGate Education provides alternative provision through small day centres, working closely with schools, local authorities and families to get young people into a placement that actually fits, with a clear plan for what comes next.
Our vision
To provide exceptional alternative education that empowers young people to re-engage with learning, rebuild confidence, and achieve positive outcomes that transform their futures.
At OpenGate we want to enable our young people to grow through their own personal development as well as in our communities, creating a personalised pathway in line with their strengths and interests to ensure a successful future.
Where you fit
Schools and local authorities
Referral panels, EHCP support and regular, plain reporting, coordinated with your SENCo or AP lead from the first conversation.
For schools and local authoritiesParents and carers
What a placement actually looks like day to day, how transport works, and what to expect from us as a family.
Information for parentsYoung people
What it's actually like at an OpenGate centre, told straight, not dressed up.
For studentsHow we work
Low staff ratios
Behaviour and learning needs get seen and responded to, not managed at a distance.
A plan to leave, not just a place to be
Every placement is built around a specific next step (a return to mainstream, a specialist placement, or a post-16 destination), reviewed every half-term.
Safeguarding that's led, not just written down
Every centre has a named designated safeguarding lead reporting into a regional Head of Safeguarding, not a policy that sits in a drawer.
Reporting schools can actually use
Attendance, progress and behaviour data shared with referring schools and local authorities on a set schedule, not just at annual review.
Our regions
View all regions
OpenGate Education Central
Serving Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough, and Buckinghamshire
OpenGate Education Central works with schools and local authorities across Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough, and Buckinghamshire.
View region
OpenGate Education North
Serving Liverpool and Tees Valley
OpenGate Education North works with schools and local authorities across Liverpool and Tees Valley.
View regionReferring a young person?
Most referrals come through schools or local authorities. Start the form and we'll come back to you shortly.
Make a referralHave a question first?
Speak to your local region directly, or send us a message and we'll direct it to the right centre.
Contact us