WELCOME TO ASCENSION ALTERNATIVE PROVISION

At Ascension Alternative Provision, we believe that young people are not just our future—they are our now. Every young person deserves the opportunity to live a life full of possibility, joy, and purpose—regardless of their starting point. We're here to support them in achieving exactly that.

Our vision is to create a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for 14–18 year olds who find traditional education challenging. By combining sports, digital media, creative expression, and emotional wellbeing support, we offer a modern and holistic alternative to mainstream education.

We envision a future where every young person – regardless of their background, barriers, or diagnosis, feels seen, valued and capable of achieving their full potential. Where creativity and care are at the core, and where youth are not just supported but heard, included and equipped to lead change in their lives and our community.

A woman with short braided hair wearing headphones, sitting at a desk with a microphone, smiling, in a room with colorful lighting.

Why We Are Needed.

The latest Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates for England show 837,000 16-24-year-olds were not in education, employment or training (NEET) between October and December 2024, an increase of 103,600.

16-24 year-olds are not in education, employment or training

13.6

%

Who We Support:

  • Young people struggling with school attendance and at risk of exclusion

  • Facing challenges related to anxiety, trauma and behavioural challenges

  • Supporting young people with SEND needs including autism, ADHD, and SEMH

Our provision is ideal for those who are creative, hands-on learners or who need smaller, more personal settings.

We can also provide an alternative route to learning and qualifications.

A young woman with short dreadlocks wearing a black hoodie and blue jeans sitting on a beige couch holding a glass of water, looking attentively at an older man with gray hair and beard dressed in a navy blazer, engaged in a conversation in a bright, modern room with a green plant in the background.

OUR SITES

Spaces that feel fresh, creative, safe and nurturing to young people.

  • View of a sports stadium with a green field, red and white seats spelling out 'ETSU', and a building with a sloped roof, under cloudy skies.

    Harlow Town Football Club

    Harlow Town Football Club serves as one of our key sites, offering young people the opportunity to engage in learning through a range of educational programmes. Serving the Essex and Hertfordshire region, the site provides a a non traditional education setting which provides a nurturing and safe space for young people.

  • Musicians performing live on stage with colorful lighting and electronic equipment.

    Hot Box Chelmsford

    Hot Box in Chelmsford serves as one of our key sites. It is a live music venue turned creative hub for authentic music/media experiences. It offers young people the chance to engage in digital media and the creative arts, taught by working industry professionals.

Our Impact…

— Lisa Simmons, Parent

"I feel extremely privileged to have met each one of you, for never judging us parents or our children for the struggles we are going through as a family, because of you all we now see a more positive and achievable future!!"

— Will, Young Person

"Everyone is just so kind and you don't feel like you're gonna get judged at all, its such a safe space and that means so much considering i can rarely find that."