Our approach weaves experiential education, learning outdoors, and a flexible curriculum to develop essential life competencies. Every student supported by a personalised Education Health Care Plan that honours individual aspirations and potential.

Our approach to secondary education

Reimagining educational potential

At Releasing Potential, we believe that education is far more than academic achievement. Our approach nurtures the whole person, recognising that every young person carries unique potential waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

Our educational philosophy

At Releasing potential we create environments where young people feel safe yet challenged, nurturing their ability to take meaningful risks that lead to breakthroughs in social and emotional development.

At the heart of our approach lies William Glasser’s Choice Theory, which recognises five fundamental human needs that drive all behaviour and learning (Love, Fun, Freedom, Survival and Power).

Our approach to learning

Our personalised approach

Our approach places the young person at the centre of their educational journey, featuring experiential education, a flexible curriculum and an Education Health care Plan - underpinned by learning outdoors,. This holistic framework supports young people’s needs, strengths, and aspiration creating meaningful pathways to learning that for those who haven't found success in traditional settings.
Experiential Education
We go beyond traditional classroom learning, offering hands-on, real-world experiences that connect academic knowledge with practical skills. Our outdoor education programmes, work placements, and interactive learning methods ensure that education is dynamic and meaningful.
Flexible Curriculum
Our curriculum is carefully crafted to develop essential life competencies. We focus not just on academic subjects, but on building resilience, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and practical life skills that prepare young people for future challenges.
Learning Outdoors
Our outdoor learning environments provide powerful contexts for growth, where young people develop confidence and skills through meaningful challenges in natural settings. This approach harnesses the therapeutic benefits of nature while creating memorable learning experiences that build transferable skills and positive relationships.
Education Health Care Plan
Every student's journey is anchored by a personalised Education Health Care Plan. This living document captures individual aspirations, tracks progress, and ensures that support is tailored to each young person's unique needs and potential. The EHCP is a foundation for creating bespoke learning experiences that honour both formal educational requirements and the young person's hopes and dreams.
How we work
We deliver personalised education designed to meet each young person where they are, creating meaningful opportunities for growth and success through diverse, responsive learning environments.
Small Group Provision
Our Engage provision is based on site in small groups with a student to staff ratio of 2:1.
1 to 1 mentoring
Students access mentoring with a key member of staff on a 1:1 basis on or off site.
Work placements
Students in years 9-13 can access work placements opportunities in real businesses.
Distance learning
Students who struggle to engage with either group or 1:1 environments can be supported remotely
Learning outdoors
Tailored support in community or outdoor settings
Student journey from referral to empowerment

A student’s journey begins with a comprehensive six-week assessment to create their personalised learning experience. We then follow a carefully designed pathway with each child.

  1. Referral: Understanding each student’s unique background and needs
  2. Tuition: Providing flexible, personalised learning experiences
  3. Mentoring: Offering one-to-one and group support
  4. Activation: Guiding students through targeted interventions
  5. Engage: Involving students in group activities
  6. Post-16: Supporting transition to further education, employment, or training

Our approach in practice

The Releasing Potential philosophy translates into practical approaches that empower young people to:
  • Develop trust in themselves and others
  • Build resilience through appropriate challenges
  • Experience belonging within a supportive community
  • Discover capabilities they never knew they possessed
  • Progress at their own pace without arbitrary timelines
  • Contribute meaningfully to their community

Whether through outdoor education, vocational learning, therapeutic support, or academic study, our approach consistently emphasises holistic development and the creation of opportunities for young people to experience success on their own terms.

Our curriculum

Rather than simply delivering standardised content, we’ve developed a holistic, personalised curriculum that recognises the unique journey of each young person in our care.

More about our curriculum >

Information for Parents and Carers

Resources, guidance and practical information to help you navigate your child’s time with us and access additional support when needed.

Information for Parents
and Carers >

School policies

Our policies are designed to support a safe, inclusive, and positive environment where every student can thrive.

View school policies >

Begin their journey with Releasing Potential

Want to refer a young person to our services? We welcome enquiries from education professionals, parents, carers and local authorities about 11-18 years olds who might benefit from our personalised approach to learning and development.

Contact us
Meet the team