Strive Academy

Strive Academy have provided exceptional support for one of our most vulnerable Key Stage 4 students, and their work has been genuinely transformative. At the point of referral, the young person had faced repeated disruption to schooling and was at real risk of permanent exclusion. Re-engagement felt unlikely.

From the outset, Chris Donlon and his team combined clear routines and high expectations with a nurturing, relational approach. They worked tirelessly to rebuild trust, stabilise attendance and remove barriers to learning. As a result, the student’s attendance and day-to-day engagement improved significantly, their mental health and wellbeing strengthened, and they began to see themselves as someone who could succeed.

Most importantly, Strive did not lower the ambition for what this young person could achieve. With targeted academic support alongside pastoral care, the student has made strong progress and is now on track to achieve GCSE grades this summer — something that previously felt out of reach.

We cannot thank Strive Academy enough. Their professionalism, responsiveness and genuine commitment to young people is outstanding. I would not hesitate to recommend Chris Donlon and the Strive team to any school seeking high-quality alternative provision that changes lives.

Nicholas Skilton, Headteacher, Benton Park School