Alec Reed Academy is rightly proud of being a through school for Nursery to Post 16. The Foundation Degree adds adult learning, but more importantly contributes a strong element to the culture of a community of lifelong learning. Having university level study in school, serving existing staff as well as the wider community, develops an ethos of research and reflective practice.

The Degree is provided by The Learning Institute and is accredited by the University of Worcester. The programme started in September 2015 has been very successful since.

In 2019, the Learning Institute validated four new degrees with the University of Worcester; Learning and Education, Early Years Professional, Mental Health of Children and Young People, and Inclusive Education. Further information on the courses which started in September 2019 is available here - https://www.learninginstitute.co.uk/our-courses and recruitment will begin after Christmas 2020 for the next cohort to start in September 2021. See the news section for the next Information Session to find out about how to apply.

The current programme at Alec Reed Academy has two tiers:

1. The Foundation Degree at Level 4 and 5. 
2. The BA in Professional Practice at Level 6.

The aim of the foundation degree is to provide students with a knowledge base that will enable them to reflect on the skills they need to be effective practitioners in an educational setting. This degree will provide students with experiences that could further their careers in services to support young people or in education. As a full honours degree the BA in Professional Practice provides an entry to various teacher training routes.

Our degree courses enable you to live, work and study locally whilst still enjoying all the benefits and support from the University of Worcester.