Thompsons Academy trading as Navigators, Salford

Special

Special post 16 institution

Mixed

Ages 16–25

Data last updated 11 Sept 2026

Location

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Key Information

DfE GIAS

Head:Mr Sebastian Saghabashi

LA:Manchester

Phone:07729081544

Website:www.navigators.org.uk

Address:Laser House, Waterfront Quay, Salford, M50 3XW

Area:Schools in M50

Status:open

Opened:1 September 2023

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted · 8 months ago

Report card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)

Exceptional

Strong

Expected

Needs Attention

Urgent

Achievement

Needs Attention

Personal Development

Expected Standard

Leadership

Needs Attention

Inspected 20 January 2026View full report

URN:150042

UKPRN:10087274

Diocese:Not applicable

Constituency:Salford

Urban/Rural:Urban: Nearer to a major town or city

Ofsted Insights

What This School Does Well

This college specialises in supporting young people who have struggled in mainstream education, building genuine relationships of trust with learners facing complex personal challenges. Staff are highly trained and compassionate, taking time to understand each learner's individual needs and helping them develop greater independence and resilience. Learners consistently report feeling welcomed, valued and respected for the first time in their educational experience.

Key Strengths

Excellent pastoral care and relationship-building with vulnerable learners who have experienced significant life challenges
Effective safeguarding culture with strong processes to identify needs and make quick referrals to support services
Well-designed individualised learning plans tailored to each learner's starting point and aspirations
Improved attendance rates through consistent one-to-one support and community-based learning
Strong investment in experienced staff and improved learning environments across sites

Areas for Improvement

Teaching quality is too variable and inconsistent across different curriculum pathways
Too many learners fail to achieve qualifications, particularly in English and mathematics
Limited work experience and travel training opportunities for learners ready to progress
Careers advice and guidance not yet fully implemented or consistently available
Governors lack sufficient information to effectively challenge leaders and drive improvement

Safeguarding

Safeguarding standards are met - leaders have established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, concerns are actively identified and managed, and learners feel safe.

Extracurricular Activities

Hairdressing, construction practical skills, money management, healthy eating education, healthy relationships education

Thompsons Academy trading as Navigators is an independent specialist college in Salford that supports vulnerable young people with complex backgrounds who have been out of education for substantial periods. While the school excels at building trust and providing tailored pastoral support, teaching quality is inconsistent and too few learners achieve their qualifications.