Admissions
Admissions September 2026
Welcome to Bridgelea
Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision. We understand that many families come to Bridgelea after a challenging period in their child’s educational journey.
Bridgelea Primary School is a specialist Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) for primary-aged children across Manchester. We provide a nurturing, trauma-informed and rights-respecting environment where children can rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships and experience success in school. We currently offer places for children in Years 1 to 6.
How Children Access a Place at Bridgelea
Bridgelea is a specialist provision and children do not apply directly for a place in the same way they would for a mainstream school.
There are three routes through which a child may be admitted to Bridgelea:
Day 6 Placements
Day 6 placements are arranged by Manchester City Council following a permanent exclusion from a mainstream primary school.
The Local Authority is responsible for securing suitable full-time education from the sixth school day after a permanent exclusion and may request a place at Bridgelea where appropriate.
EHCP Placements
Some children attend Bridgelea through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
When Manchester City Council is considering a specialist placement, the Statutory Assessment Team may consult with Bridgelea to determine whether the school can meet a child’s needs safely and effectively.
Parents who would like Bridgelea to be considered should speak to their child’s SENCO, SEND Caseworker or EHCP Coordinator.
APX Placements
APX placements provide support for children whose needs cannot currently be met within their mainstream school and who may be at risk of permanent exclusion.
Referrals are made by the child’s current school through Manchester’s APX process and require parental agreement.
Children accessing an APX placement remain on roll at their mainstream school and placements are reviewed regularly.
Who We Support
Children attending Bridgelea may be experiencing:
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs
- Difficulties managing emotions, behaviour or relationships
- Trauma and adverse childhood experiences
- Anxiety and barriers to school attendance
- Additional learning, communication or sensory needs alongside SEMH needs
- A need for a more specialist educational environment
Every referral is considered individually. We carefully review the information provided to determine whether Bridgelea can meet a child’s needs and provide a safe, successful placement.
Our Admissions Process
Step 1: A Referral Is Made
The referral route depends on the type of placement being requested:
| Placement Type | Referral Route |
| Day 6 Placement | Requested by Manchester City Council |
| EHCP Placement | Consultation from the Statutory Assessment Team |
| APX Placement | Referral from the child’s mainstream school |
Step 2: We Review the Information
Before making a decision, we carefully consider:
- The child’s strengths, interests and needs
- Educational, emotional and behavioural information
- Safeguarding, health and risk information
- Whether Bridgelea can provide the right support and environment
All information is handled securely and in line with safeguarding and data protection requirements.
Step 3: Meeting the Child and Family
Where appropriate, we will meet with the child, their family, current school and any professionals involved.
This helps us understand the child’s needs, answer questions and plan the most successful transition possible.
Step 4: A Decision Is Made
Senior leaders review all available information before deciding whether Bridgelea is able to meet the child’s needs safely and effectively.
If a placement is agreed, we will work closely with families, schools and professionals to plan the next steps.
If another setting is better placed to meet the child’s needs, we will explain the reasons and support discussions about alternative provision.
Step 5: Planning a Successful Start
Once a placement has been agreed, we will create an individual transition plan. This may include:
- Visits to the school
- Meeting key staff
- A named key adult
- Transition activities and photographs
- A phased start where appropriate
- Regular communication with parents and carers
Our priority is to help every child feel safe, welcomed and ready to learn from their first day at Bridgelea.
Visiting Bridgelea
We encourage families to visit the school and learn more about our provision.
A member of the Senior Leadership Team will be happy to show you around, answer questions and explain how we support children and families.
Please contact the school office to arrange a visit.
Annual Reviews for Pupils with an EHCP
Children attending Bridgelea with an EHCP will have an Annual Review each year.
Parents and carers, the child, Manchester City Council and relevant professionals are all involved in reviewing progress, outcomes and any changes that may be needed to the EHCP.
We are committed to ensuring that children and families play an active role throughout the review process.
Home to School Transport
Home to school transport is arranged by Manchester City Council, not by the school.
For children attending Bridgelea through an EHCP placement, eligibility for travel assistance is considered by the Home to School Transport Team.
Support may include:
- Independent travel arrangements
- A Personal Travel Budget
- Specialist transport
- Passenger assistance where required
Home to School Transport Team
Telephone: 0161 219 6400
Email: hometoschool@manchester.gov.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply directly for a place at Bridgelea?
No. Children access places through one of the three admission routes: Day 6, EHCP or APX.
Does my child need an EHCP to attend Bridgelea?
No. Children may attend Bridgelea through a Day 6 placement, an APX placement or an EHCP placement.
Can I visit the school before a referral is made?
Yes. Families are welcome to contact us to arrange a visit and find out more about our provision.
Will my child be able to visit before starting?
Where appropriate, children will have opportunities to visit the school, meet staff and become familiar with the environment before they start.
How long does the admissions process take?
Timescales vary depending on the admission route, the information available and Manchester City Council processes. We work closely with families and professionals to ensure transitions are planned carefully and sensitively.
What support will my child receive when they start?
Every child joining Bridgelea has an individual transition plan designed to help them settle successfully into school.
Equality, Inclusion and Children’s Rights
Bridgelea is proud to be a Rights Respecting School. We are committed to treating every child with dignity, fairness and respect.
We welcome children from all backgrounds and are committed to removing barriers to learning wherever possible. Reasonable adjustments will be made to support children and families throughout the admissions process.
Contact Us
Bridgelea Primary School
Bridgelea Road
Withington
Manchester
M20 3FB
Telephone: 0161 434 1548
Email: admin@bridgelea.manchester.sch.uk
We understand that considering a change of school can feel overwhelming. Our team is always happy to answer questions, explain the admissions process and support families through every stage of the journey.