Welcome to Venturers’ Academy, part of Venturers Trust. Opened in September 2016, Venturers’ Academy is the first state funded all age specialist provision in Bristol for children who have an autism diagnosis and who have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP).

We are proud of our positive, vibrant and purposeful all-age Academy where we are committed to ensuring that all our young people are successful, happy and prepared for their lives beyond school.

Venturers’ Academy is a stimulating, caring and orderly environment in which to learn and grow, where each individual has respect for themselves and for others. We expect the highest standards and work with our young people at Venturers’ Academy where everything’s possible.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS

We are dedicated to serving our young people. Every student is important to us. We will develop the ambition, confidence and potential of each of our students. We have the highest expectations and are committed to seeing that each one of our young people achieves their full potential, ready to take an active and responsible part in society.

OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP AND GROW

Our unique position as an Academy sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol brings with it exceptional advantages for our students. As the first state funded school for students on the autistic spectrum in Bristol, we are exceptionally proud of what we are able to bring to our students and their families and the experiences afforded as being part of a co-located all-age mainstream academy.

Venturers’ Academy has a distinctive and positive ethos which guides our work and the education of our students. Preparation for adult life underpins our Academy aims. We are committed to the success of each of our students whatever stage they are at in their education and this is reflected through the Academy's values and commitment to creating.

Successful learners with good qualifications, motivated to enhance their knowledge and armed with the necessary skills to reach their full potential. Students with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASC) can achieve more than they ever thought possible. Ventures’ Academy will provide the curriculum, resources, environment, strategies and expertise to enable students to accomplish this.

Self-confident individuals who can make informed decisions, effectively able to communicate them based on their own values and beliefs. Students with ASC can manage their difficulties with professional support and will be able to develop their individual talents and abilities with confidence and enjoyment.

Responsible citizens who respect others and confidently take part in political, economic, social and cultural life. Students with ASC can play a full and active role in society at all levels and we will offer them the work placement opportunities, career guidance and employment skills to achieve this.

Effective contributors with a positive, can-do attitude who can lead or work in a team, meeting the challenges of the 21st century. Students with ASC can enthusiastically contribute to their community and we will provide them with the communication and social skills, along with career guidance, to do so.

Venturers’ Academy is totally committed to ensuring that every student makes progress regardless of their context or starting point. Our Leadership Team will work in partnership with staff and Governors to ensure that the excellent standards established are consistently maintained.

If you're searching for your next post, why not contact us now? You'll be working at a great school and be part of a friendly, helpful team. We're always interested to hear from enthusiastic, committed teachers - send us your CV now via our School Talent Pool and say what sort of role you're looking for. By joining our School Talent Pool we'll know you're interested in working here when a future vacancy occurs. 

Venturers Trust is a dynamic and focused multi-academy trust based in Bristol, formed in September 2017 through the merger of CGS Trust and Merchants’ Academy Trust. The Trust is responsible for eight academies, 3,500 pupils and 750 staff with a commitment to making a significant and lifelong difference to the lives of young people from some of Bristol’s most disadvantaged communities.

The Trust is sponsored by the Society of Merchant Venturers and the University of Bristol. The Society of Merchant Venturers is a private entrepreneurial and charitable organisation that actively supports enterprise in Bristol. It has been involved in improving the city’s education for at least 400 years. As a sponsor, the Merchant Venturers are heavily involved in all aspects of the Trust including Governance. They bring first class expertise in governance and a wide range of business acumen to the benefit of our schools.

The University of Bristol ranks as one of the top 10 universities in the United Kingdom. It is committed to encouraging the number of local students seeking a place within Higher Education. The University is actively involved in the development of the Trust’s curriculum and Governance and allows our pupils and students to access its excellent academic facilities. The University has created an extensive programme of opportunities for our pupils which no other schools have. The University also offers support in other areas, such as research and mentoring. Both sponsors seek to ensure that all our young people receive a truly inspiring education. Their support, challenge and expertise are greatly valued.

Currently the Primary phase of Venturers Trust comprises:

• Bannerman Road Community Academy
• Barton Hill Academy
• The Dolphin School
• Fairlawn School
• The Kingfisher School
• Merchants’ Academy, an all-age school, also benefits from collaboration in its Primary Phase with the five Primary schools in the Trust

The Trust has a set of core values which are embedded in all of its schools whilst allowing each learning community to develop a distinctive identity relevant to its local community. The core values across the family of schools are: Respect, Responsibility, Curiosity, and Resilience