A simple belief

Pivot began with a simple belief: children deserve better.

Our founder, Michael Smith, had personal experience of an education system that did not always make room for difference. He saw young people being described by what they could not do, rather than understood for who they were and what they might become. He wanted to create a place where relationships came first and every child had a genuine sense of belonging.

From a few rooms to a family of schools

Pivot started small, with a few rooms, a handful of learners and a team willing to try something different. We listened before acting. We built trust before timetables. Slowly, young people who had lost confidence began to feel safe enough to learn again.
Since then, Pivot has grown into a family of schools, specialist provisions and outreach services across West Yorkshire. The organisation is larger, but the purpose has not changed. Each learner is known as an individual. Each family is treated as a partner. Each member of staff is trusted to notice the things others might miss.

Our next chapter

Our story is still being written. Demand for specialist education is growing and the needs of young people are becoming more complex. We want to respond thoughtfully, protecting the calm, personal approach that makes Pivot different.
Our Charter 2030 sets out that promise. We will bring support closer to home, strengthen partnerships and help more young people build futures through belonging. We will grow with care, because success is not measured by how large Pivot becomes. It is measured by the lives that change along the way.