Onside Education serves pupils aged 11-16 (KS3 & KS4), referred by mainstream schools, local authorities, and parents/carers. Students typically join us with a history of low attendance, behavioural concerns, SEMH needs, or an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Many face complex challenges, including trauma, adverse childhood experiences, or unmet special educational needs.
We operate from both onsite school-based hubs and a dedicated external provision, including vocational and sports-led environments such as our partnership with Vision Football Factory. These flexible, therapeutic learning spaces allow us to tailor the environment to each student’s interests and needs, helping to reduce anxiety, boost engagement, and rebuild a sense of belonging.
Our curriculum blends Functional Skills, GCSE preparation, PSHE, and vocational learning, underpinned by trauma-informed practice, restorative approaches, and a strong emphasis on personal development. Reintegration is a key focus, and we work closely with referring schools, parents, and professionals to provide a structured pathway back into mainstream or onward into positive destinations.
Core Purpose
Onside Education exists to provide a safe, structured, and nurturing learning environment for children and young people who are disengaged, at risk of exclusion, or currently not thriving in mainstream education. Our core purpose is to re-engage learners by addressing barriers to learning—whether behavioural, emotional, social, or academic—and to support each student in making meaningful progress towards reintegration, further education, training, or employment.
We are committed to delivering a high-quality, personalised curriculum that promotes resilience, confidence, and positive behaviour, whilst ensuring that students continue to make academic progress. Our provision is designed to support the whole child, recognising that success looks different for every learner.