Alternative provision.
A personal way forward.
Bournemouth · Christchurch · Poole · Dorset
When a young person needs a different route into learning, a trusted relationship can be the starting point. Summit Education brings together mentoring, tutoring and purposeful activities to help them build confidence and take their next step.
Who is Summit’s
support for?
We support young people who are out of school or finding it difficult to engage with learning. Some need time to rebuild trust and confidence; others benefit from individual tutoring, mentoring or support through a change in education.
Our team has supported children as young as five, through the school years and into early adulthood. Support for older young people can include preparing for independent life, exploring career paths and building practical skills for what comes next.
We have experience supporting young people with special educational needs and learning difficulties, as well as those who need a more flexible approach. We begin by understanding the individual, then discuss whether Summit can meet their needs.
Meet the people behind Summit →What can sessions
look like?
The balance is shaped around each young person’s interests, starting point and agreed goals.
Mentoring & confidence
Consistent one-to-one support to build trust, communication and self-belief. Conversations and shared activities help young people recognise their strengths and develop positive routines.
Tutoring with purpose
Individual learning at a manageable pace, with support for literacy, numeracy and academic gaps. We connect learning to interests and everyday experiences to help it feel relevant.
Growing independence
Practical preparation for the future. Depending on the young person’s goals, this may include travel, budgeting, CVs, interviews and exploring further education, training or career options.
Learning beyond
one classroom.
We are based across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole in Dorset. If you are elsewhere in Dorset, get in touch to discuss your location and whether we can offer suitable support.
In the community
Sessions can take place in libraries, leisure facilities and other local spaces, using everyday experiences to build skills and confidence.
Outdoors & in open spaces
Outdoor activities can give young people space to engage, connect and try something new. The setting and activity are agreed around their needs.
Tutoring at home
Home tutoring can provide a familiar setting for focused learning and help a young person take manageable steps back into education.
In school & through transitions
We can provide support in local schools and help with returning to school, moving to a new setting or preparing for the next stage of education.
How to discuss
a referral.
A first conversation helps us understand what is needed. Families, schools and professionals are welcome to get in touch.
Talk to Summit ↗Tell us about the young person
Share their age, general location, interests and the support you are looking for. We can discuss the most appropriate way to share any further information.
Explore the right fit
We will talk through their needs, possible session settings and current availability, and consider whether Summit’s support is suitable.
Agree a starting point
Where we can help, we work with those involved to agree achievable goals and the proposed support. We review progress together and plan the next steps.
Working together,
with the young person
at the centre.
Progress can be a first conversation, greater confidence, renewed engagement with learning or a step towards independence. We keep the focus on meaningful goals for the individual.
Our work is guided by the SUMMIT Model and our safeguarding policies. Robert Williams is Summit’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. You can meet our team, read our policies and hear from families before making an enquiry.