Questions from Parents & Families

Is The Futures Campus right for my child?

If your child is struggling in mainstream education, has become disconnected from learning, or simply doesn't fit the traditional school mould, The Futures Campus could be the alternative you've been searching for. We work with young people aged 11-18 who need a different approach - whether they're neurodivergent, have experienced mental health challenges, have been let down by the system, or simply learn differently. If you've been told your child "doesn't quite fit" anywhere else, they might fit perfectly here.

How does learning actually work here?

We build personalised learning experiences around each young person's interests, strengths, and goals. Rather than forcing everyone through the same curriculum at the same pace, we create flexible pathways that adapt to individual needs. Students might work on long-term projects, explore subjects that fascinate them, develop practical skills, and pursue qualifications that matter for their future. There's structure and support, but it's designed around the learner, not a rigid timetable.

Will my child still get qualifications?

Yes. We support young people to achieve recognised qualifications including GCSEs, functional skills, BTECs, and other credentials relevant to their goals and future plans. But we also recognize that meaningful learning isn't only measured by exam results. We focus on building confidence, capability, and real-world skills alongside formal qualifications.

What about children with SEND or neurodivergent needs?

Many of our students are neurodivergent or have special educational needs. We understand that waiting years for diagnoses or fighting for EHCP support leaves families exhausted and children suffering. Our approach is built on understanding and adapting to individual needs from day one - whether your child has a formal diagnosis or not. We create environments designed for difference, not systems that demand conformity.

Within the Campus, there's also a separately run SEN school which works collaboratively with us if your child needs more specialist support than we can offer directly. Additionally, several existing Alternative Provisions operate independently within the Campus. These may provide an even more bespoke learning experience tailored to specific needs. We're building a community of provision, not a single rigid option - so we can help you find the right fit for your child.

My child has been out of school for months/years. Can you help?

Absolutely. We understand why young people disconnect from education - often it's not about them, it's about a system that didn't work for them. Whether your child has been school-refusing, struggling with anxiety, or simply couldn't face another day in mainstream education, we provide a fresh start without judgment. We work at their pace to rebuild confidence and reconnect them with learning.

How do you support mental health and wellbeing?

Wellbeing is central to everything we do. We recognise that you can't learn effectively when you're struggling mentally or emotionally. Our approach includes understanding and compassionate support, flexible environments that reduce anxiety, and a culture where young people feel safe to be themselves. We're not a therapeutic setting, but we work closely with families and external services to ensure comprehensive support. There will be a dedicated wellness hub with private therapy sessions available, group sessions, and animal assisted learning, or maybe just for a stroke and cuddle.

What does a typical week look like?

There isn't one "typical" week because each young person's experience is personalised. Students might spend time on independent projects, collaborative work, skill development, community activities, workshops with social enterprises, and creative exploration. Some structure provides security, but flexibility allows us to respond to individual needs, interests, and wellbeing on any given day.

How much does it cost?

We're working on a sustainable model that includes membership options and are exploring funding pathways to ensure The Futures Campus is accessible to families who need it. We'll share detailed information about costs and available support as we finalise our opening plans. Our goal is to create something accessible, not exclusive.

Where is The Futures Campus located?

We're developing Penns Place, the former East Hampshire District Council offices in Petersfield, Hampshire, into a comprehensive education and wellbeing hub. The location serves families across Petersfield, Liss, and the surrounding areas.

How do you measure progress if not through traditional testing?

We track growth in confidence, curiosity, and capability. Progress looks like a young person who was anxious and withdrawn now contributing ideas enthusiastically. It's someone discovering a passion they didn't know they had. It's developing skills, building portfolios of work, completing projects, and achieving personal goals. We document learning journeys in meaningful ways that show real development, not just test scores.

What about socialisation? Will my child make friends?

Yes. Young people learn and work together, collaborate on projects, and build community. But we also recognise that forced social interaction can be overwhelming for some students. We create opportunities for connection while respecting individual needs for space and quiet. Friendships develop naturally around shared interests and experiences.

Can my child attend part-time or is it full-time only?

We understand that flexibility matters, especially for young people transitioning from difficult situations or managing wellbeing challenges. We're developing options that work for different circumstances and will work with families to find the right balance.

What makes you different from other alternative provisions?

We're not a last resort or a holding space for "difficult" children. We're building something genuinely transformational - an education and wellbeing hub that celebrates difference, builds around interests, and prepares young people for real life. We're creating flexible learning environments, bringing in social enterprises, developing community facilities, and pioneering approaches that recognise every young person's unlimited potential.

How involved can I be as a parent?

As involved as you want to be. We believe parents know their children best, and we work in partnership with families. You're welcome to visit, engage with your child's learning journey, provide input, and be part of our community. We also recognise that some families are exhausted from years of fighting the system and need space to breathe - we respect that too.

What if my child wants to return to mainstream education later?

That's absolutely possible, and we'll support transitions in whatever direction makes sense for your child. Some young people need time in a different environment to rebuild confidence before returning to mainstream. Others find their place here and continue through to 18. We're flexible and focused on what's best for each individual.

We've tried everything and nothing has worked. Why would this be different?

Because we're not trying to make your child fit into a system that wasn't designed for them. We're building learning around who they are, what they love, and how they thrive. We understand the exhaustion of endless meetings, waiting lists, and being told your child "doesn't quite fit." We've lived it. That's exactly why we created The Futures Campus - to be the alternative that should have existed all along.

My child is under 11. Can you help?

While The Futures Campus itself works with young people aged 11-18, the Alternative Provisions and SEN school operating within the Campus support younger children. These independently run settings offer specialised provision for primary-age learners who need something different from mainstream education. If your child is under 11 and struggling, we can help connect you with the right provision within our community. Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.

How do I find out more or visit?

Get in touch through our contact page. We're happy to have conversations, answer your specific questions, and arrange visits once we're up and running. Every great learning journey starts with a conversation – and we're here to listen.