Orion Centre 
Welcome to the Orion Centre
The Orion Centre is part of Solihull Academy and is our first Warwickshire-based provision. We work closely with five local schools and the local authority to support young people in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, who may be finding school difficult and starting to lose confidence in learning. We are an early intervention to ensure students remain on track within their mainstream school.
Our aim is simple: to help students feel positive about education again by giving them the right support at the right time.
What Makes Orion Different?
Nova group pathway: With a maximum of 10 pupils, Nova offers short term 6 - 12 week placements in a small, friendly environment where students can feel safe and focused. This allows us to give each child the attention they need and build strong, trusting relationships.
Axis group pathway: A short stay, alternative provision for 11–16 year-olds (Key stage 3-4). This is an Assessment and Intervention group where pupils are referred in agreement with and via the local authority. Our “sixth-day” provision is for students who have been permanently excluded. Pupils are with us for varying amounts of time for a maximum of 12 weeks; our approach to all students therefore needs to remain flexible, bespoke and focussed on their next destination.
Both pathways benefit form a skills-focused curriculum which aims to balance therapeutic and academic content along with flexible intervention to meet the needs of the students.
Specialist Help
We provide tailored support to help students manage emotions, build resilience, and develop social skills. Our sessions encourage confidence and positive relationships, helping students feel ready to learn.
Learning That Fits
Every child is different, so our curriculum is designed around individual needs. We focus on:
- Reading and writing support
- Maths skills
- Personal coaching and interventions to overcome barriers and boost progress (Including counselling)
Planning for the Future
Our goal is to help students return to mainstream school successfully. We work with schools and families to create a clear plan, provide outreach support, and make sure progress continues after leaving Orion.
How It Works
- Short-term placements(6–12 weeks for Nova pupils and up to 12 weeksfor Axis pupils)
- Commissioned by local schools and the local authority
- Focused on early intervention—helping before problems become bigger
- Carefully planned reintegration's and transition work back into their mainstream schools with support from Orion.
Why Orion?
We believe every child deserves the chance to succeed. By offering a fresh start in a supportive environment, we help students rebuild confidence, develop skills, and reconnect with learning.