We have made a change to our arrangements for you to meet with staff to discuss your child’s progress at Rotherham Aspire.  Following feedback from parents and staff, the traditional Friends and Family Days that we have held for several years are now to be replaced with a new Progress and Review meeting.

For full information please read this letter

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On 15th October 2025, Rotherham Aspire PRU was successful in two categories at the 2025 Young Builder of the Year Awards.

 

Rotherham Aspire came home with The Best Supporting Organisation Award and one of our Year 11 students received a Commendation in the 14-18 category. The Best Supporting Organisation Award is a prize given to one organisation annually for their ‘contribution to education and training for the construction industry’. The prestigious ceremony was held in the Terrace Pavilion, at the House of Commons and hosted by the Right Honourable Sir John Hayes MP.

 

Youthbuild UK holds the annual Young Builder of the Year Awards to celebrate young people who have overcome challenges to succeed in the construction industry. These awards, often held at the House of Commons, recognise achievements in training and employment and are a highlight of the organisation's work, which also includes events and building pathways for young people. Nominations typically open in the spring. The nominated Year 11 student received a Certificate of Commendation for her achievements and a cash prize.

The purpose of the awards is to recognise the achievements of disadvantaged young people who have successfully trained or gained employment in construction, often in the face of significant challenges.

The awards are usually presented in different age categories, such as 14-18 and 19-24 years old and nominations for the awards open annually in the spring.

Rotherham Aspire is a Pupil Referral Unit that provides education to 5 to 16 year olds who may have struggled in mainstream schools.

At Rotherham Aspire building positive relationships is at the heart of what we do. Endless positive regard runs through the core of our provision and through everything we do. Our children and young people are provided with a supportive environment in which to develop and learn. We have a fantastic team of dedicated staff who care passionately about our young people and are highly skilled in providing a personalised, nurturing approach to education.

Our vocational curriculum is designed to be challenging and engaging, allowing students to re-engage in learning and develop valuable work based practical skills in a range of subject areas of their choice. They will gain an insight into the industry sectors, while developing abilities in a range of practical skills. Our vocational programmes provide a foundation for further study post 16, such as apprenticeships or as a route to employment. Aspire has been supported by NOCN (National Open College Network) for 8 years to develop highly successful vocational programmes that support our students to progress.

We are delighted that the work of our organisation and the achievements of an individual student have been recognised in this way.

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July 2025

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to inform you of continuing concerns we have regarding vapes and to highlight some important changes to the regulations surrounding vapes, which took effect on 1st June 2025. 

As of 1st June 2025, the sale and supply of single-use (disposable) vapes have been made illegal across the UK. This includes all forms of disposable vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. The ban extends to both in-store and online sales. The government's rationale behind this ban is multifaceted, addressing both environmental concerns due to the vast number of discarded disposable vapes and, critically, the alarming rise in vaping among young people. Whilst reusable and refillable vapes are not illegal to sell, they are not permitted to be used by children under 18 or allowed on our school site.

In light of this new legislation, and in line with our commitment to safeguarding our students, we are currently working with partners to understand our responsibility as a school and share updates with you in line with the New Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

We are asking for your cooperation in ensuring children do not bring vapes to school. We must let you know that as a result of confiscated vape testing within our setting, we have vapes that have tested positive for additives such as paint stripper and anti-freeze. Recent reports back to us from the local authority state that substances identified in vapes removed from young people within other schools include THC, deadly nightshade, paint stripper and human and animal faeces. As you can imagine this is very alarming for us as a school and we feel we need to ensure you are informed about this, in order to support you to keep your child safe and educated against buying vape liquids that may be contaminated.

We urge you to discuss these findings with your children and to reinforce the importance of adhering to our school rules regarding vaping; we are a vape/smoke free school.

Your cooperation and help in this matter is invaluable as we work together to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all members of our school community. No student will be allowed to bring vapes onto school grounds, including reusable ones.  Staff may search students using our searching and confiscation policy if they think a banned or dangerous item is being carried.

What we would like you as parents/carers is to talk to your child about the dangers of vaping and support the school in keeping student’s safe.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

 

Yours sincerely

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Lee Morritt

Headteacher

 

​Please find the report regarding the Ofsted inspection in May

Ofsted Report. 

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Please take a look at the NOCN Case Study for Rotherham Aspire

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We have had some amazing feedback recently which we would like to share with you.

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After a recent Health & Safety Inspection:

To note, overall Panel Members were complimentary regarding the health, safety and welfare provision at this facility, and the knowledge, passion and commitment staff demonstrated throughout the visit. There were a great number of examples of a positive health and safety culture not individually noted in this report, but should be recognised, nevertheless.

RMBC Health, Welfare and Safety Panel review

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After a recent NOCN Inspection:

"The centre continues to demonstrate full compliance with the NOCN Centre Approval criteria. The assessment and IQA practice are of a very good standard and there are clearly high standards and expectations set for the students at Rotherham Aspire Pupil Referral Unit. The students are very well supported through their programmes of learning, and it has been wonderful to read some of the positive comments they have made regarding the impact of the units and about what they have enjoyed doing and learning. The Centre often has to deal with challenging behaviours and a range of barriers to learning their students may face – but the work produced is excellent and a number of positive outcomes to be proud of."

NOCN EQA's

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Feedback from the recent Friends & Family Day

To Everyone at Hutton Park

Thank you for supporting my daughter and bringing her can do attitude back, not giving up on her and giving her opportunities and praise.  I do honestly believe that without your person centred approach, nurturing and empathy it could have been a very different story.  You are all amazing.  Thank you.

Parent of Year 11 Student June 2023.

 

No words can explain how truly grateful I am for your support with my daughter.  I will always be thankful for how you never gave up on her.  At a time when I thought everything was going to fail you gave her a chance and I am sure she will shine.  Thank you.”

Parent of Year 11 student June 2023.

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