In England, one in five pupils miss school on a regular basis, according to recent data by Channel 4 News. The reasons behind this trend are varied and complex, yet at Bath Rugby Foundation’s Alternative Learning Hub, they’re addressing the issue head-on with a hands-on, student-centred approach.

Watch our Alternative Learning Manager explain more:

https://youtube.com/shorts/hAhxnHrrR2M?feature=share

This personalised model has already yielded impressive results. As of Term One, students at the Hub are achieving a 94% attendance rate. For many of these young people, that level of attendance would have been unimaginable only months ago. "Only this morning, I was speaking with one of our students who hadn’t attended any school – not even online – for a whole year before joining us," said the Foundation’s Alternative Learning Manager.

He explained that their approach centres around three core principles designed to rebuild student trust, increase engagement, and foster consistent attendance.

1. Understand the Barriers: “The first question we ask is: what don’t they like about school right now?” For some students, traditional school settings present challenges that can feel insurmountable, from social pressures to undiagnosed learning needs. By addressing these barriers, the Foundation aims to create a learning environment that meets individual needs.

2. Demonstrate Care and Commitment: After understanding what isn’t working, the next step is to make meaningful changes that show students the Foundation genuinely cares. This might include modifying the learning structure, adjusting expectations, or providing personalised support, which encourages students to re-engage in education.

3. Set Realistic Expectations: "We’re realistic in what we expect in return for the changes we implement,” he added. This means setting achievable goals and ensuring students feel supported rather than pressured, which is critical to building mutual trust.

Through these steps, Bath Rugby Foundation’s Alternative Learning Hub is making education accessible again for young people who may have felt left behind by the conventional system. The programme doesn’t just improve attendance; it gives students the foundation to grow their confidence and work towards a brighter, more independent future.

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Referring your child to our Alternative Learning Hub:

To find out more about next steps for your child, email our Alternative Learning Manager, Jonno Wood: [email protected]