Welcome Message

At Westside School, we are unwavering in our belief that every pupil deserves the very best education. Everything we do is focused on Growth, Resilience, Empowerment, Achievement, and Transformation. Quite simply, we are truly a GREAT school!

We recognise that everyone—staff and students alike—has Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Emotions are a universal part of being human, and we embrace the shared experience of navigating them together. Our students often join Westside following permanent exclusion, most commonly for ‘persistent disruptive behaviour’ (this reflects the national trend in exclusions and suspensions).

However, we understand that misbehaviour is often a symptom—a mask or cloak—of unmet essential needs. These behaviours signal a deeper call for support, connection, and understanding. At Westside, we are deeply committed to expanding our understanding of child and SEMH needs, enabling us to ask more insightful questions and to strengthen inclusion. This commitment shapes our approach: we place the child at the heart of everything we do, focusing on who we teach before what or how we teach.

Our culture and ethos are grounded in principles and practices designed to foster inclusivity, belonging, and growth. By sharing these practices, we aim to help students experience meaningful learning and lead happier, more fulfilling lives at school.

This expertise, built on understanding and empathy, is something we take pride in offering to the broader educational community. Each pupil brings their own unique story to our school, and we are dedicated to guiding them in shaping their future with confidence and purpose. We take immense pride in the achievements of our pupils, who consistently progress to further education, training, or apprenticeships. In 2019, we made history as the first Alternative Provision to achieve an 'Outstanding' rating under the new Ofsted framework—an affirmation of our commitment to excellence..

We are always happy to welcome visitors to Westside and look forward to showing you first-hand what makes Westside a place where young minds thrive and happy childhoods endure.

Pani Matsangos
Headteacher