R was a bright but disaffected pupil at risk, lacking direction and an outlet for his considerable energy. R joined me for a week’s residential work experience and consequently took up rock climbing, something he then developed to winning competitions and climbing at an international standard. Channelling his talents for positive outcomes has led R to considerable successes in life including a place at Oxford University which he turned down for a place at Cambridge!

N was a bright but extremely disaffected lad at the end of his school career in year 11, seriously at risk, known to the police, in and out of court with no respect for authority figures and likely to not gain any qualifications. N worked with us for about six months and improved his attendance at his PRU. Greatly improved attendance lead to completion of course work and success at GCSE level. N went on to college and post 16 education. I have since spoken to his head teacher who was adamant that for our intervention N would have achieved nothing at school.

T could not be engaged by any agency. Extremely disaffected with very low confidence and self-esteem: would not go to school and would not work with home tutors. T was constantly at war with his carers, and well known to the local police. We worked with T for 14 months until he reached school leaving age. T achieved his only school qualification, Science Plus Level 1, through us, completing his coursework during our weekly sessions. T went on to attend college and complete his courses.

P was extremely challenging and incredibly difficult to engage when he was first referred to us. His self-confidence had been severely undermined by bullying and continual deep family crisis. P was not accessing any education at all, he was well known to the police and was close to being taken in to care by the local authority. We have worked with P building his confidence, social and communication skills to equip him to be able to attend a local special school.  We have been working with P for nearly five terms and have seen many significant and positive changes as he grows in to a confident and able young man.