The NEAT Experience

Raising Aspirations. Growing Confidence. Shaping Future Citizens.

Launching January 2026

The NEAT Experience brings learning to life across NEAT Academy Trust. It connects curriculum, careers, and personal development from the early years through to Year 11. Every pupil gains planned experiences that build confidence, skills and ambition.

This shared approach ensures no child misses out. It gives every pupil a clear story of who they are becoming.

What is the NEAT Experience

The NEAT Experience is a shared offer across all NEAT schools. It sits alongside the curriculum and shapes wider personal development. It gives every child structured access to the world beyond school. The programme grows with pupils across key stages. Experiences are planned, tracked and reflected on over time.

Why it matters

Children do not all start with the same opportunities. The NEAT Experience helps close that gap. It raises aspirations and shows pupils what is possible. It supports readiness for learning, work and adult life. It links directly to careers education and employability skills.

Explore the five experiences below

The NEAT Experience is built around five connected strands. Each strand supports a different part of pupil development. Together, they create a balanced and ambitious offer.

Explore what your child will experience across their school journey. Use the buttons below to learn more about each part of the NEAT Experience.

What pupils gain

Pupils build confidence through real experiences.
Pupils develop skills through practice, not theory.
Pupils learn how to reflect and articulate learning.
Pupils gain a growing digital record of their journey.
Pupils leave school better prepared for next steps.

This supports strong transitions at every stage.

Linking with Business and Community Organisations

The NEAT Experience connects schools with employers and partners. Businesses help pupils understand the world of work. Pupils gain insight into careers and local opportunities. Employers support skills, confidence and ambition.

This builds stronger links between education and the local economy.

Digital portfolio section

Every pupil will build a digital portfolio over time. This records key experiences and reflections. Pupils learn to explain what they have gained. Families can see the journey clearly. Schools can use this to support reporting and transition.

This creates a clear story from early years to Year 11. Pupils can use the digital portfolio as a CV for job applications or as a reference document when applying for a place at college or university.

Find Out More

The NEAT Experience leaves pupils ready for what comes next. They understand their strengths and can talk about what they have learned. They leave school with confidence, ambition and a clear sense of direction.

This is how NEAT prepares young people for life beyond education.

Find out how your child’s school delivers the NEAT Experience. Click on your school below to explore their NEAT Experience.

Nurture

This stage focuses on building personal confidence, life skills, and emotional well-being. Pupils start by learning to ride a balance bike and preparing healthy meals, eventually progressing to building dens, cooking on campfires, and looking after living creatures. As they grow, they learn to navigate independently using maps and gain the confidence to speak openly about their feelings.

Educate

We aim to broaden horizons by taking learning beyond the classroom through various cultural and professional visits. Pupils visit farms, beaches, religious venues, and universities to better understand the world and potential career paths. Practical education is also a priority, covering essential skills such as first aid, CPR, and the ability to speak more than one language.

Achieve

This area celebrates personal milestones and professional preparation. Pupils engage with people from different careers, visit workplaces, and participate in mock interviews to prepare for the future. Achievement also includes creative and physical goals, such as playing a musical instrument, performing for an audience, and competing in sporting events at specialist venues.

Transform

Transformation is about making a positive difference in the local community and the wider world. Pupils participate in enterprise activities, learn to manage budgets, and engage with community groups. They also take an active role in social and environmental issues, such as meeting with local decision-makers, volunteering for external organisations, and supporting initiatives to combat climate change.

Elite

The Elite pathway offers specialised opportunities for a small group of learners to excel. This includes taking on significant leadership roles like School Captain or leading a sports council. Pupils may also pursue advanced goals, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, life-saving certificates, or international travel experiences that challenge them to grow as global citizens.

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