Breaking down barriers to Education

When I realised mainstream school wasn’t for me I thought I had come to a dead end in my education. I struggled coping with being in that type of structured environment and this resulted in me experiencing a series of difficult situations. The only option was for me to leave. As I was under 16 I had to be in some form of education. I was put into the care of educla. I was reluctant to go at first as I was worried it would be a repeat of mainstream. It was the total opposite. From the day I walked in to the day I completed my education I felt secure and supported. I made friends with people who had similar experiences and built a trusting relationship with the staff. I always knew that there was someone there to talk to. With the help from the staff I was able to secure work experience on a farm which has led to me being accepted on an apprenticeship working with animals which is something that I have always wanted to do. I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and I truly feel like if I hadn’t gone through the educla system I would not be where I am today. I have many happy memories from my time at educla and the staff still support me and show interest in my progress to this day.

At 14, I felt myself and education were completely incompatible. Since moving up to secondary school, I had battled crippling anxiety attacks that arose almost daily, often far before I even arrived at school; I felt uncomfortable, unsafe and unconfident in the one environment we are told is intended to encourage the opposite of those feelings, one hand would be enough to tally the amount of times I actually felt that in secondary school. After years of feeling completely unhappy in school and finding every possible way to avoid attending, I could no longer do it and stopped attending full stop. This is where Educla stepped in; they provided me a comfortable, safe space to regain the confidence that had been completely shattered by mainstream education and the lack of professional support provided to students. Despite attending mainstream education for a total of two days in year 10 and 11 and struggling through the COVID pandemic, I passed the necessary GCSE exams to advance to sixth form and for this I have to thank Educla and the educational and personal support they provided in the most challenging time of my life. Since then I have not been without my struggles, but I am now in my first year of study for a BA in English Literature and American Studies at the University of Manchester, becoming, hopefully, the first of many Educla students to attend university. Thank you Educla, I don't think I would be where I am without the time I spent there.

“Our son was struggling in mainstream school for various reasons and was not in the best state of mental health. He joined Educla in year 8 and with the support and understanding of the staff, his self esteem improved. All of the staff have been wonderfully patient in encouraging him to be ‘who he is’ and achieve what he is capable of academically. The different ways of teaching and the alternative qualifications Educla can offer are exactly what some kids need to believe in themselves again and be ready for further education or work placements.”

“"Judes teaching styles are a breath of fresh air, each session is interesting, adaptive and fun keeping the child engaged at all times. She has helped my child's confidence grow from strength to strength and has achieved a great deal in a short amount of time. My child looks forward to every session and continues to improve in an area that they found very difficult before. We couldn't ask for more - thank you."