Independent special school · Luton · Ages 11–16

A fresh start for young people who find mainstream school hard.

We offer full and part-time places for young people with complex social, emotional and behavioural needs, with small groups, real qualifications and a team that never gives up on them.

Call 01582 256040 Explore our courses

Graded Good

at our latest Ofsted inspection

Wellbeing Award for Schools, in partnership with the National Children's Bureau, 2023 to 2026

Wellbeing Award for Schools
Mental health and wellbeing come first here.

1,000+

learners supported back into education over 11 years

years supporting young people

1,000+

learners helped back into education

60+

qualifications on offer

11–16

full and part-time places

Who we are

School, shaped around the young person.

Active Support is an independent special school for learners aged 11 to 16. Many of our young people have struggled to cope in mainstream education because of complex social, emotional or behavioural needs.

Over the last 11 years we have supported more than 1,000 learners, offering over 60 qualifications that help them back into education, training and work.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing is a priority in our school. We want everyone to feel supported, safe and happy.

Worried about a child?

If you have a safeguarding concern, our designated safeguarding team can help straight away.

Safeguarding contacts

Pathways we offer

Over 60 qualifications, across eight pathways.

View all courses

English

Maths

Science

Human & social

Technological

PSHE

Aesthetic & creative

Physical

Beyond the classroom

Through our work, we also aim to:

Develop peer mentors

Improve family relationships

Improve and promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing for all

The therapeutic inclusion unit

A holistic, therapeutic learning environment for young people with complex social and emotional needs, where wellbeing and learning grow together.

Wellbeing & mental health

Our people

Meet the team behind the turnaround.

“We work with individuals and their families in the toughest of situations, helping to turn their lives around by providing the support, skills and knowledge they need to move forward in life. Inspiring educational achievement is at the heart of what we do.”

Matt Ford · Joint Headteacher & Director

Senior leadership

Matt Ford

Joint Headteacher & Director

Shahed Koyes

Joint Headteacher & Director

Sujel Miah

Proprietor

Managers

Louise Stewart

Assistant Head & SENCO

Mick Hewitt

Wellbeing & Mental Health Manager

Faye Cawdell

Unit 1 Manager

Habib Choudhury

Unit 2 Manager

Shamim Ali

Unit 3 Manager

Linda Ford

HR & Admin Manager

Kind words

What families and schools say.

“I really do recommend this place so much. My daughter only got back into school because of coming here and getting the help she needed, and the great support from everyone.”

Clare Murray, parent

“Our relationship with Active Support has allowed a collaborative approach to meeting the needs of specific pupils who sometimes need additional support away from school for short periods of time.”

Partner school

Get in touch

Let’s talk about your young person.

Whether you are a parent, carer or referring school, we are happy to answer questions and arrange a visit.

Find us
Unit 1 Britannia Estates, Leagrave Road
Luton, Bedfordshire LU3 1RJ
Open Monday to Friday, during term time

Call 01582 256040 Email the school Get directions ↗