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Alternative provision in Gloucestershire creating a single pupil referral unit

Gloucestershire’s Alternative Provision Transformation Project was launched in June 2020 and supports Gloucestershire's Education Inclusion Strategy 2022-25. As part of this we are seeking to improve the arrangements that are in place for the children and young people in Gloucestershire who have been, or are at risk of being, excluded from school. 

Gloucestershire County Council has worked with the management committees of Severn Valley School and the Gloucester and Forest Alternative Provision School (GFAPS) to bring the two schools together as a single institution, The Altus School, with effect from 1 September 2023.  The intention is that this will enable them to continue to provide high quality education at the right time and in the right way for this group of vulnerable learners so that they can achieve the best possible outcomes. 

The background information document (DOCX, 600.7 KB)  (DOCX, 600.7 KB) provides further information on this proposal and explains how key stakeholders were able to express a view on this proposal through a period of engagement.

The existing sites across the county will remain in operation and the council continues to work with the schools to identify improvements that can be made to the accommodation and learning environments. These have included:

  • An outdoor learning and recreation space at The Belle Vue Centre in Stroud, along with improvements to the kitchen
  • Redevelopment of the garden area and the installation of a garden room chalet at The Ryeleaze Centre in Stroud
  • The redevelopment of the external areas at Russet House in Gloucester to include a new basketball court
  • An improved pupil reception area at Russet House in Gloucester along with replacement windows in the art room
  • The creation of a dedicated servery area at Rutherford House in Gloucester
  • Improved kitchen facilities at The Raikes Centre in Gloucester along with upgraded fencing to make the outdoor areas more secure for pupils
  • The creation of a dedicated food tech area for pupils at The St George’s Centre in Cheltenham along with some internal modifications to create small group rooms
  • Improvements to the external recreation spaces at The St George’s Centre in Cheltenham