London South East Academies Trust expands its network with two new specialist settings

London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) has welcomed two more specialist settings into its growing network– with Grafham Grange School in Surrey and College Central in East Sussex officially transferring into the Trust today.

The schools have been renamed Bramley Grange Academy and East Sussex Academy, marking the start of exciting new chapters for pupils, staff and their local communities.

East Sussex Academy provides Alternative Provision (AP) for pupils aged 5–16 across the county who have been excluded from, or are unable to access, mainstream education. Its transfer into LSEAT has brought significant investment and reorganisation, including new sites being secured in Denton Island (Newhaven) and Hailsham. A £12m rebuild of the Hastings site has also been agreed, supported by the DfE and East Sussex County Council. The school is being led by new Headteacher, Guy Walsh and a newly appointed leadership team.

Bramley Grange Academy, based in Bramley, Surrey, is a specialist school for 70 pupils aged 11–16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. It has transferred to LSEAT following an Academy Order from the DfE last year. New headteacher, Louise Needham, has been in post since January, working in partnership with staff, families, the outgoing trust, Surrey County Council and the DfE, to implement a rapid improvement plan. This is well underway, with positive progress being recognised by Ofsted.

Both schools join a rapidly expanding Trust that now comprises 16 academies across Bromley, Bexley, Lambeth, East Sussex and Surrey. They span mainstream, special and alternative provision, along with a music hub and outreach service, supporting children and young people from birth to 25.

With inclusion at the heart of the Trust’s mission, LSEAT collaborates with many schools and colleges locally, regionally and nationally, exchanging evidence-based practice to ensure the best possible care and education for pupils.

Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of LSEAT, says:

“We are delighted to welcome both Bramley Grange Academy and East Sussex Academy into our Trust. Both these schools support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in Surrey and Sussex - and we are determined to ensure that every pupil has access to safe, supportive environments where they can thrive.

“Over the past few years, our Trust has grown significantly, now comprising 16 school across London and the south east, alongside outreach services and a regional music hub. This expansion reflects the confidence placed in us to deliver high-quality, inclusive provision that transforms lives.

“These schools are already benefiting from new leadership and collaboration with local partners. We are grateful to staff, families, both Local Authorities and the DfE for their support throughout the transfer process – which we believe will deliver lasting improvement and the very best opportunities for pupils.”

Elizabeth Funge, Assistant Director Education, Children’s Services at East Sussex County Council adds:

“Today marks an exciting step forward for Alternative Provision in East Sussex.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with LSEAT on the East Sussex Academy and look forward to seeing this provision grow from strength to strength.

“Our shared commitment is to work alongside the trust and all of our schools so that every young person has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in their learning. This new partnership with LSEAT sits at the heart of delivering that ambition.”

Cllr Jonathan Hulley, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning at Surrey County Council says:

“As Bramley Grange Academy begins a new chapter, we look forward to the opportunities ahead and to working in partnership with LSEAT to ensure that every student is empowered to thrive.”

For more information, visit: www.LSEAT.org.uk