About Releasing Potential

Founded in 2001 by Mike and Jo King, Releasing Potential helps marginalised young people develop essential life skills through innovative outdoor education. What began with sessions run from their Portsmouth home has evolved into a comprehensive educational organisation serving vulnerable students across Hampshire and West Sussex.

By 2011, responding to increasing referrals from Local Authorities, we established our first full-time programme in Havant – the Engage programme. Our success with young people who struggled in conventional school environments led to further expansion, including recruiting Dr. Catherine Brennan as Operations Manager in 2012 to bring academic expertise to our practical approach.

From these humble beginnings, Releasing Potential has grown into a comprehensive educational organisation:

• Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee (since 2001)
• Independent School (established 2017) with over fifty staff and places for up to fifty students, years 7-11
• Multiple Sites across Hampshire and West Sussex
• Comprehensive Services including an Academic Institute, Sailing Centre and Social Enterprise Businesses

Our journey reflects our commitment to responding to community needs while maintaining the core values that have always driven our work: unconditional positive regard, outdoor learning, and personalised support.

The Releasing Potential team comprises a diverse group of experienced educators and specialists committed to transforming young lives:

• Education Specialists with expertise in alternative provision and special educational needs
• Outdoor Education Instructors qualified in various adventure activities
• Therapeutic Practitioners supporting emotional and social development
• Academic Staff delivering engaging curriculum content
• Dedicated Support Teams ensuring smooth operations across all sites

Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from various educational backgrounds, ensuring our approach balances academic excellence and personal development.

Since 2001, Releasing Potential has:

• Supported thousands of young people across Hampshire and West Sussex
• Developed comprehensive pathways from intervention to independence
• Established partnerships with local authorities, schools and community organisations
• Created employment opportunities through our social enterprises
• Pioneered research and professional development through the Releasing Potential Institute

By combining educational excellence with therapeutic support and real-world experiences, we help young people not only overcome barriers to learning but discover strengths they never knew they possessed.

Releasing Potential operates with transparent governance and oversight:

• Charity Number: 1097440
• Company Number: 04622100
• Proprietor: Mike King
• Chair of Trustees: Paul Suter
• DfE Number: 850/6093

Our Board of Trustees brings together professionals from education, business, and community sectors, providing strategic guidance and ensuring we remain true to our founding mission while adapting to meet evolving needs.