New alternative provision launches to support young learners

A new alternative education provision has opened in Glossop to support young people aged 11–16 who are struggling to thrive in mainstream education or have been permanently excluded. 

We Believe You Achieve (WBYA), based at Dinting Industrial Estate, officially opened its doors on 3rd November 2025, welcoming its first students and marking a significant step forward in inclusive education for the area. 

Founded by local resident Zena Hardy, a parent of a neurodiverse child and an experienced education and behaviour professional, WBYA provides a safe, supportive, and aspirational environment for students with SEMH/SEND needs or those disengaged from traditional schooling. The provision offers a structured 3.5-hour morning programme including academic learning, mentoring, vocational pathways, sport and boxing and fitness. 

“We exist to give young people a space where they feel seen, heard, valued and capable,” said Zena Hardy, Director of We Believe You Achieve. “Our promise is simple - we will believe in them until they believe in themselves. With the right support, every young person can flourish.” 

WBYA aims to reduce exclusions, improve attendance, boost confidence and ensure young people leave with qualifications and clear next-step pathways. Each morning, students receive a healthy breakfast on arrival and a food bag to take home, supporting both wellbeing and family life. 

The team works closely with schools and families to re-engage learners, build resilience, and improve life chances. A unique partnership with Go Hard ABC, a fully equipped boxing gym led by England Boxing-certified coaches, complements the provision. Structured boxing and fitness sessions help develop discipline, confidence, and physical and mental wellbeing. 

WBYA is now accepting referrals for the 2025/26 academic year from mainstream schools, alternative providers, social care teams and parents. 

Tackling a National Issue Locally: 

Around one in five children in England have frequently missed school this academic year, according to data from the Department for Education (DfE). Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza has named school attendance her top priority, describing the rise in persistent absence as a “national emergency.” 

Children miss school for many reasons, including anxiety, unmet educational needs, or challenges within mainstream settings, and the number of persistently absent pupils remains higher than before the pandemic. 

Alternative provision (AP) schools, such as WBYA, are helping to address this issue. AP settings support students who cannot attend mainstream schools due to behavioural, emotional, or health-related needs. They provide tailored education in a nurturing environment, helping students stay engaged in learning, develop essential life skills, and prepare for future opportunities. 

The goal is simple: to ensure that every child has access to an education that meets their individual needs - empowering them to reach their full potential. 

For more details visit: https://www.webelieveyouachieve.org.uk