Our Work
At AL Elevation, we provide the resources and structure that enable state schools to deliver best-in-class co-curricular programmes. Through a longer school day, a broad range of enrichment activities, top-of-the-line facilities, and investment in teachers, we create opportunities that build students’ confidence, ambition, and future success.
A Longer School Day
A key initiative of AL Elevation is an extended school day. While most state secondary schools offer around 25 lessons per week, Laurus schools provide 28 alongside a structured co-curricular programme. Research shows that this additional time supports deeper learning and richer personal development for students, while also creating dedicated time for staff professional development.
Electives
The ethos of Laurus Trust schools is built around four cornerstones that guide both academic and personal development. AL Elevation supports this approach by enabling a wide range of co-curricular electives that reflect these principles.
Electives are a core part of the curriculum, with students in Years 7–9 selecting a minimum of two each week and those in Years 10–11 choosing at least one. Usually taking place at the end of the school day, these activities allow students to develop existing talents and interests while discovering new ones.
The Laurus Trust cornerstones, and examples of activities that fall under them, are outlined below.
Chess Club
Modern Foreign Languages
Preparation, Practice and Science Club
STEM Club
Retrieval
Creative Writing
Music Theory
Handwriting Club
Coding
History Club
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School Musical
Media Club
Journalism Club
MFL Film Club
Design Club
Art Club
Vocal Group
Photography
Spotlights and Limelights
Music
Debate
Tennis
Boxing
BMX Biking
Basketball
Squash
Taekwondo
Netball
Trampolining
Rock Climbing
Cricket
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Duke of Edinburgh
House Captain
Prefect
Enterprise Club
Student Librarians
Young Leaders
Model United Nations Team
Building
School Council
Subject Ambassadors
Sporting Partnerships
Elite Sporting Pathway / Loughborough University
The Elite Pathway supports students balancing academic study with high-level sport, helping them pursue both excellence in learning and sporting ambition. Delivered in partnership with Loughborough University, the programme provides a unique pathway that combines academic rigour with world-leading sporting expertise.
Academic Football Pathway / Manchester City FC:
In partnership with Manchester City Football Club, Laurus Ryecroft has launched a football school delivering high-quality coaching to sixth form students. The programme offers twice-weekly training in Manchester City’s world-renowned playing style, alongside match analysis and competitive fixtures. Students also gain access to training at the City Football Academy, with selected participants able to enrol in courses at the City Football Leadership Institute.
Apertura
Apertura is a three-year academic enrichment programme founded by the Laurus Trust and made possible by AL Elevation, designed to prepare high-achieving students in Years 10–12 for applications to competitive universities such as Oxford and Cambridge.
Through lectures, supervisions, and independent research, the programme introduces students to academic enquiry that mirrors a traditional university experience. Delivered beyond the core school day, Apertura fosters intellectual curiosity and academic ambition.
Teacher Masters Programme
At AL Elevation, we recognise that high-quality teaching is central to student success. Teacher development is supported through the Laurus Trust Master’s Programme, delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University, which offers funded master’s-level study to teaching staff. The programme combines academic research with classroom practice, strengthening teaching, leadership, and a culture of evidence-informed learning across Laurus schools.
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