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.
How it works
Alternative learning provisions (ALPs) work by offering a personalised, flexible, and supportive learning environment that caters to the unique needs of students who struggle in mainstream education. They focus on re-engaging students, building their confidence, and developing essential life skills, often with a smaller class size and a more holistic approach to learning.
Here’s why alternative learning provisions are effective:
1. Personalised Learning:
- Tailored Support:
ALPs create individual learning plans based on a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and interests, ensuring they receive the specific support they need to succeed.
- Flexible Learning:
They offer various teaching methods and environments, adapting to different learning styles and paces, allowing students to engage with education in a way that suits them best.
2. Smaller Class Sizes:
- Increased Attention:
Smaller classes allow for more one-on-one interaction with teachers, providing more focused support and guidance.
- Reduced Overwhelm:
Smaller classes can be less overwhelming for students who struggle in larger, mainstream classrooms.
3. Holistic Approach:
- Emotional and Social Development:
ALPs often incorporate support for students’ emotional and social well-being, helping them develop essential life skills and build resilience.
- Mental Health Support:
They may offer access to counselling, therapy, and other mental health services to address any underlying issues affecting a student’s ability to learn.
4. Re-engagement in Education:
- Fresh Start:
For students who have become disengaged from mainstream education, ALPs offer a new opportunity to reconnect with learning and build confidence.
- Reduced Challenging Behaviour:
The supportive and understanding environment can help reduce challenging behaviours and improve attendance.
5. Focus on Practical Skills and Employability:
- Real-World Applications:
ALPs often incorporate vocational training and practical skills development, preparing students for future employment or further education.
- Positive Outcomes:
By focusing on both academic and practical skills, ALPs aim to equip students with the tools they need to succeed in life beyond school.
In essence, alternative learning provisions provide a valuable alternative for students who need a more tailored and supportive approach to education, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.