When Alfie arrived at our Woodlands campus at Boothman Park in Year 10, he had experienced multiple school breakdowns, been involved in knife crime and gang culture and was caught in a cycle of behaviour that left little space for education. Following a serious incident, Alfie was moved out of his hometown for his own safety and placed in a residential home. That’s when he was introduced to the Woodlands.  

At first, Alfie’s engagement was minimal. Trust had to be earned. The Woodlands team knew that pupils like Alfie needed something different: time, consistency and connection. His education began outdoors, not in a classroom, with simple, structured activities designed to make him feel safe. His timetable was personalised and flexible starting small, at just one hour a day, and growing with him when he was ready. 

Within just two weeks, Alfie began to show signs of change. Attendance and behaviour improved. He started engaging with staff and taking part in learning activities. The small, stable team at Woodlands gave him the space to grow at his own pace, helping him build confidence and discover a sense of purpose. 

As Alfie progressed, so did his confidence. He moved to a full timetable, joined in school trips and developed friendships. He became a steady, supportive presence for younger pupils, offering the kind of peer support that comes from someone who’s been through the same thing. 

Despite facing academic challenges, including dyslexia, Alfie completed some GCSEs. He stayed on into Year 12, supported by both his residential carers and the Woodlands staff. Alfie’s confidence had grown to the extent that he took it upon himself to enrol in a 12-week programme with The King’s Trust to develop leadership and employability skills. 

This, along with the progress he made whilst at Woodlands, allowed Alfie to secure an apprenticeship in plastering and he is preparing to start at Blackpool and the Fylde College. 

He continues to stay in touch with the team at Woodlands and has been invited back to speak at its annual awards evening – this time as a role model, not a pupil. 

Alfie’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when education is built on trust, patience, understanding and the power of being heard and seen.