The Alternative School
Accrington, Lancashire, North West · BB5 1NT
The Alternative School is a small independent school in Accrington catering for pupils aged 7 to 18, with around 152 on roll and Ms Kirsty Swierkowski at the helm. Its modest size and broad age span lend it an intimate, close-knit feel, and the Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it good at its most recent inspection, with personal development also judged good and all compliance requirements met. As the name suggests, this is a setting that positions itself differently from the mainstream, and it may particularly suit families seeking a small, supportive environment rather than a large or highly selective one.
152
Pupils
good
ISI
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 7-18
- Pupils
- 152
- Location
- Accrington, Lancashire, North West
- Website
- www.thealternativeschool.co.uk
- Telephone
- 01282 851800
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Head Ms Kirsty Swierkowski
Latest results
Attainment 8
2.4
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
Pupils work towards GCSEs, the only qualification offered, and the school does admit at 11. The published outcomes are well below national benchmarks: the Attainment 8 score stands at 2.4 against a national average of 46.9, and no pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared with a national figure of 47%. Parents prioritising headline academic results will want to weigh these figures carefully and discuss them directly with the school.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 1
Qualifications offered
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- good
- ISI personal development
- good
- Last inspected
- 5 November 2024
The last word
A small, ISI-rated good independent school with an alternative ethos and a wide 7-18 age range. Its strengths lie in size and pastoral care rather than measured exam attainment, which sits markedly below national averages.
The Passmate verdict
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The Alternative School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is The Alternative School located?
The Alternative School is located at 30 St. James Street, Accrington, BB5 1NT.
What type of school is The Alternative School?
The Alternative School is an independent (fee-paying) school in North West.
How many pupils attend The Alternative School?
The Alternative School has approximately 152 pupils on roll.
What is The Alternative School's inspection rating?
The Alternative School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "good" at its inspection on 5 November 2024.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.