Silsoe Alt Provision Hub: Learn Move Grow Thrive

Aim: Blending fitness, music, life skills & creative learning, we support young people with an education model that works when mainstream doesn’t

Project Goal

Our mission is to establish an innovative Alternative Provision Hub in Silsoe. This hub will provide young people with access to creative English lessons, maths catch up, music and production, PSHE, functional fitness, and Olympic weightlifting. All these activities are linked to ASDAN accredited qualifications. Our goal is to help every student thrive academically, emotionally, and physically.

About Directional and The Academy Programme

Directional and The Academy Programme are well established organisations committed to empowering young people through alternative education, mentoring, and personal development. By successfully integrating physical activity, mental wellbeing, and practical skills training, we support disadvantaged youth in building confidence and earning meaningful qualifications. Our extensive experience has revealed the incredible potential within every young person. The new Silsoe Alternative Provision Hub represents the next exciting step in expanding this vision, creating a nurturing space where young people can thrive, grow, and unlock their full potential.

What Makes Us Unique

There are over 1,500 alternative provisions across the UK, reflecting a growing need as more than 15% of students struggle to thrive in mainstream education due to a variety of challenges, including social, emotional, and learning difficulties. The demand for effective, inclusive alternatives continues to rise each year. 

Our hub responds to this urgent need by offering a fresh model that combines creative learning, structured physical training, and formal accreditation under one roof. By addressing academic gaps and emotional well-being together, we provide a holistic experience that prepares young people not only to catch up academically but also to build the confidence and resilience they need to succeed long-term. This integrated approach makes our provision a vital and innovative addition to the current landscape of alternative education. We plan to do things differently.

Who We’re Here For

We are reaching out to supporters of youth empowerment, education, wellbeing, fitness, music, and community. Our project is designed for young people aged 11 to 16 who have disconnected from mainstream school. If you believe in creating spaces where movement, creativity, qualifications, and confidence come together, this is a cause you’ll want to support.

How We Will Use Your Support

Funds raised will be crucial in covering our essential set-up costs. This includes purchasing specialist equipment such as creative classroom resources and music production tools. We will invest in skilled, qualified staff and ongoing training to ensure all courses meet rigorous ASDAN accreditation standards. Creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring learning environment through refurbishment of the centre is also a top priority. Additionally, part of the funding will support enriching student experiences like community showcases, fitness challenges, and special events that bring learning to life and build confidence. Every penny contributed directly fuels the foundation of a vibrant, transformative hub for young people.

How You Can Help

You can support us by making a donation. Every contribution helps build the hub and change lives. Spreading the word about our campaign through social media, friends, work, or community networks is another valuable way to help. Hosting your own fundraising events or fitness challenges is a great way to raise both funds and awareness.

Why This Matters

For students, this provision means catching up academically, gaining confidence, and earning qualifications that open doors. Families gain relief and pride as they see their young people transform. The Silsoe community benefits from fresh talent, reduced exclusion, and stronger cohesion. Nationally, this project offers a replicable model demonstrating that creative, active, and accredited education is an effective alternative.

Together, we can allow these young people to move, create, learn, belong, and leave ready to succeed. Join us in bringing the Silsoe Alternative Provision Hub to life and building a brighter future for all.

A Day at the Hub

A typical day starts with core academic subjects, Maths, English, and PSHE delivered in the morning to build essential skills and personal development. In English, students explore storytelling, poetry, journalism, and creative writing, while Maths workshops focus on closing foundational learning gaps through tailored, hands on activities. PSHE sessions encourage discussions on wellbeing, relationships, and life skills, all expertly created by our sports psychologist. After a healthy lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to creative expression and physical activity, with music and media lessons that offer opportunities for songwriting, instrument practice, and beat making using professional recording tools. The day finishes with functional fitness and weightlifting sessions designed to improve focus, strength, and overall mood, followed by reflection and goal setting to keep students motivated and progressing toward recognised qualifications.

Evidence Based Impact

Research supports combining physical activity, creative education, and accredited qualifications. Studies show that regular physical activity improves cognition, memory, and mental health by reducing anxiety and depression (e.g., Smith et al., 2018, Journal of Adolescent Health). Creative education has been linked to increased literacy, self-confidence, and sustained engagement in learning (e.g., Catterall, 2009, Arts and Achievement in At-Risk Youth). Additionally, ASDAN qualifications have positively impacted school reintegration and student motivation across the UK (e.g., DfE, 2020 Alternative Provision Outcomes Report). By blending these evidence-based methods, our approach creates a powerful, transformative experience that addresses young people's academic and emotional needs, supporting them to thrive and succeed.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 8th September 2025 at 10:00am