We are an Alternative Education Provision supporting students to re-engage, reintegrate and reconnect back into their education.
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Education Quality
At Link AP Academy, we carefully plan each student’s educational journey in collaboration with their on-roll school and other providers. Once baseline assessments are complete, we create a personalised timetable designed to meet their individual needs and learning goals.
We work closely with partner schools to align with their curriculum, using shared schemes of work and resources to ensure a consistent and balanced offer.
All students receive a core programme that includes:
1. Maths
2. English
3. Science
4. Religious Education
5. PSHCE
At Link AP Academy, we are committed to providing inclusive and responsive support for all students, especially those with additional needs. Our team is highly knowledgeable and experienced in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring that every young person receives the care and attention they require to thrive.
All staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, enabling them to respond with sensitivity, understanding, and appropriate strategies to support students who may have experienced adversity.
Our approach is rooted in empathy, expertise, and a deep commitment to helping every student succeed.
Before joining us at Link AP Academy, every student takes part in a structured induction process, typically lasting between 3 to 5 days. This helps us build a clear picture of their individual needs and ensures a smooth and supported transition into our provision.
During induction, students complete a range of baseline assessments, including both academic and social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) assessments. These insights enable us to create a personalised support plan and learning pathway tailored to each young person.
Link AP Academy staff are highly trained specialists with extensive experience across both mainstream and alternative provision settings. The team includes professionals skilled in working within specialist resource provisions and are fully trained in trauma-informed approaches. All staff are also trained in behaviour de-escalation and crisis intervention, holding certification in both Team Teach and CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) techniques.
| Safety Point | Response |
|---|---|
Does this AP undertake regular fire drills, have Fire Service compliant smoke alarms, staff trained in fire prevention and regularly tested fire extinguishers?: |
Yes |
Are staff trained in first aid (certificate in date) and facilities and is equipment are available and working?: |
Yes |
Does your setting have a designated and trained health and safety officer?: |
Yes |
Is a public liability policy current and displayed publicly?: |
Yes |
| Policy Question | Response |
|---|---|
Does this provision/service comply with all it’s responsibilities with regard to GDPR?: |
Yes |
Does this provision Safer Recruitment processes?: |
Yes |
Does this provision/service have appropriate safeguarding policies for safeguarding children?: |
Yes |
Links to policies: |
https://linkapacademy.co.uk/key-information/policies-documentation/ |
Does this site have an appropriately trained Designated Safeguarding Lead?: |
Yes |
Does this site have a designated teacher for Children in Care?: |
Yes |
Shazad and his team offers a vital lifeline for students struggling within mainstream education, providing personalised support and a nurturing environment to help them achieve their full potential. Having worked closely with Shazad at Bradford Academy I can see he has a real passion in the work he delivers and makes a real difference that positively impacts the lives of young people and their education. Shazad is not only very educated, but he also understands the issues that young people are up against which is a key factor in relating, building, sustaining and empowering young people through positive relationships. By delivering a high standard of support and guidance this encourages the most vulnerable to believe that they can achieve.
‘Trinity Brown’
When i was in school i had the pleasure of Shazad Ali being my behaviour teacher and he was one of the only teachers who truly understood us kids and how to work with us on our education, I then had the pleasure of working with him for a few months and his way of bespoke teaching was eye opening and showed exactly what these kids need and why the school system isn’t working for them
‘Millie-Mai Durkin’
Created by a leader with a drive and passion to provide the highest quality support for the children and young people who need it most. A bright, modern and welcoming space. A provision that’s really needed for some of our most vulnerable young people, with a goal to support them to thrive. Absolutely well done, Shazad. So very proud of what you have achieved!
‘Karen Cruise’
A lovely welcoming space which has been thoughtfully designed with young people in mind. The staff at the provision are very professional and highly trained, with a wealth of experience working with young people.
‘Ben Paulden’
Absolutely brilliant set up! the guys are really passionate about what they are doing and I know this will make it a success! Well done the place looks great inside and out!
‘Adam Van -Stewart’
What a fab provision! Every area is well thought out and designed to meet the needs of more complex students facing significant barriers to learning. Students can be nurtured and educated, gaining a deeper understanding of their own needs and the expectations from others. Strong leadership, high standards, amazing opportunities!
‘Jenifer Netherwood’
I have worked with shazad previously and one thing is he knows what he’s doing. His knowledge is priceless and always has the best interest for his students and their wellbeing. Good luck on your new journey!
‘Thasmina Ali’
Shazad and the team are well respected within the AP community. Their model of working is replicated across the country and Shazad openly shares ideas, advice and best practice with his peers to help increase the perception of Alternative Provision as a whole. Shazad had been a huge influence in this nationally.
‘Christian Brown’
I had the absolute pleasure of visiting Shazad and the team at Link AP Academy yesterday.
Anyone who knows me, knows about my passion for teaching SEMH pupils in alternative provisions and PRUs. I have set up and managed RPs for the LA Led Resourced Provisions with Bradford Council for the last 5 years, and I was the KS4 Leader at Ellar Carr PRU for 5 years.
Seeing what Shazad and his team have already achieved, at Link AP, genuinely warms my heart. They can only go from strength to strength, supporting schools with their pupils who are struggling in the mainstream setting.
We discussed curriculum, the needs of the pupils, their offer, and everything in between. It is so refreshing talking to someone who has the same thoughts and visions as I, and so many others, do; someone who truly wants the best for pupils in education, in Bradford.
Well done to Shazad and the team, I am excited to see what the future holds for you!
If you’re a school looking for an alternative provision for your pupils, you won’t find one better than this.
‘Fiona Clifford’
Thank you for allowing us to visit with you this morning, it was wonderful to see how our student have settled into your provision and to see the progress that they are already making.
‘Anna Wallace’ Assistant Headteacher
Great to meet Shazad Ali today and see the amazing provision in place at the Link AP Academy. A very warm and nurturing welcome from the school, staff and pupils with a fantastic vision for all pupils who attend. I look forward to welcoming you to Dale Futures in the not too distant future
‘Dillan Yates’ Founder of Dales futures
Prior to half term myself and a colleague had the pleasure of visiting Shazad Ali at the amazing new Link AP Academy in Bradford.
As a recruiter and someone paid to have connections and be in the know, I had followed Shazad’s career over the years with interest. We were welcomed to this fantastic new space, an oasis of calm just a stone’s throw from the bustling city centre and large mainstream secondary schools. It was such a fantastic breath of fresh air.
The thought, passion and painstaking care that has gone into the development, planning and detail of the provision was plain to see. Such a strong team driven by a shared purpose! Thank you for taking the time for us!
The gold🥇 standard you aim for and work to was apparent throughout, with integrity and values that underpin and shone through all aspects clearly. Thank you again for showing us your wonderful provision representing quality with high aspirations for young people in the communities you serve.
‘Sarah Keating’
Yesterday, I had the privilege of visiting Link AP Academy – and I left both humbled and hopeful.
Hearing CEO Shazad Ali speak about his vision and ethos was a powerful reminder of what it truly means to lead with purpose. His commitment to creating a safe, aspirational space for students who have often felt unheard was not only evident in his words, but woven into every corner of the school culture.
Alternative provision is often misunderstood – but at Link, it’s clear that this isn’t a place of last resort. It’s a place of possibility. A place where young people are seen, heard, and given the chance to thrive.
The intentionality behind every decision – from relationships to routines. Shazad’s belief in his students and his staff is unwavering.
This visit reminded me why we must continue to champion inclusion, equity, and belonging in every part of our education system. Because when leadership is values-driven and community-rooted, transformation is not only possible – it’s inevitable.
Thank you, Shazad Ali, for the warmth, the welcome, and the work you and the team do every day.
‘Shaheen Myers’
1 Review on “Link AP Academy”
Amazing provision in Bradford.