Alternative Provision

Making education accessible.

We have designed courses to support children and young people who don’t like to learn in classrooms.

These courses are completed outside of schools, mainly in places with lots of outdoor spaces and animals. People learn real skills and get a qualification.

We partner with some amazing companies and charities to do this. Together we make learning fun.

Our Alternative Education locations by county

For information on the neighbouring counties that can provide Local Authority funding for courses, please contact your desired partner from the list below.

Bedfordshire: Thurleigh Equestrian Centre

Berkshire: Beacon Equestrian Centre, Just Around The Corner (JAC), JAC in a Box

Buckinghamshire: Hartwell Riding Stables

Cheshire: Higher Farm Education

Cornwall: Lakefield

Derbyshire: Birchwood Equestrian Centre

Essex: Harwich Horse Rangers Association

Gloucestershire: Cotswold RDA

London: Ebony Horse Club

Milton Keynes: Aim High UK

North Northamptonshire: RISE Wild

Oxfordshire: Pony Pursuits

Reading: Lands End Equestrian Centre

Suffolk: S.P.A.C.E

Surrey: Silvermere

Somerset: Flying Start Children’s Riding Centre

West Midlands: Moor Farm Stables Equestrian Centre

Worcestershire: Stablemates

Courses for everyone

Our learners include people with EHCPs, or that require extra support in lots of different ways.

Our aim is to make these courses available to as many people as possible, so that everyone has a chance to learn.

The cost of the course is often covered by local authorities, who are there to provide services in local areas.

Get in touch

Find out more

Our locations are all happy to hear from people interested in taking our courses. Alternatively you can speak to one of our Alternative Education team on 01672 519977.

Animal Care

A course for people who would like to help look after lots of different animals.

Level 1

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" One of the many things that we love about Haddon is the flexible structure of the courses. Learners can work at their own pace to achieve success at a range of levels. This lets us personalise learning to suit each student’s pace and support their progress over several years. "

Lianne Murphy, Director of RISE Wild

After the course

People who take a course will learn new skills and get a qualification.

They can chose to do another course, or look for a job doing what they have learnt.

Alternative Provision - Questions and Answers

How long does a course last?

The length of the course depends on the person taking it, their needs and what course they are interested in.

Some courses can also have different things to learn at different levels too.

How do I know if the local authority will pay?

If you are unsure if your local authority will pay, please get in touch and we can help to guide you, alongside the companies we work with to give the training.

I didn't like school so what makes this different?

These courses are made for those who found school hard. The learning is done is small pieces and is made for you to understand. You will have support from experienced people who know how to help you and want you to succeed. Everything about the course is made for you so that you can get experience doing something you enjoy.

Why are the alternative provision courses with animals?

Animals including horses have been proven to increase levels of happiness and well-being. Being around animals and learning to take care of them enables people to develop skills of empathy and understanding.