Award-winning alternative provision across Bristol, South Gloucester & North Somerset.

With 10 specialist centres for young people from Year 1 through to Post 16, Pearson-approved BTEC/AQA qualifications and a qualified teacher led curriculum, Discovery has a space for everyone, regardless of need.

What makes Discovery Education the best choice for your students provision:

• 1 to 1 staff ratios - Each of our students has a designated and most importantly consistent, well trained key-worker

• Transport - Discovery provides transport to and from each of our facilities, this includes post 16 as well

• ISPs - Created by our qualified teachers, individual support plans are designed for each student

• Daily reporting and attendance systems - Keeping communication open & clear (an Ofsted requirement)

• Termly targets and reviews - Making sure everyone is working towards the same goals

• Discovery attendance to all relevant meetings and reviews - We offer our specialist knowledge to aid in annual reviews, pep and any other meetings

• Nationally recognised qualifications - Btec courses from Pearson, AQA unit awards: all accredited in house by our specialist staff

• Highly trained staff - Our staff are highly trained, carry additional individual car insurance, have enhanced DBS checks and follow our quality assured policies and procedures

• Local authority framework - Discovery is on the local authority approved framework, so you can choose us with confidence, knowing we have been quality assured to the highest level

Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing

Many students accessing ALP have experienced challenges that have affected their confidence, engagement with education or sense of belonging. A project-based approach can provide a more supportive and purposeful learning environment where students are valued for what they can do, rather than defined by previous difficulties.

Completing practical projects provides regular opportunities for achievement, helping students rebuild confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Students learn to manage setbacks, solve problems, make decisions and work towards long-term goals — skills that are valuable both inside and outside education.

The emphasis on meaningful activity, positive relationships and achievable milestones can also help students develop a stronger sense of purpose and connection to their education.

Promoting Physical Health

Where projects incorporate practical, outdoor or vocational activities, students are encouraged to be physically active and develop healthier routines. Learning can take place beyond the traditional classroom through gardening, construction, environmental projects, sports, outdoor learning and other hands-on activities.

This provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, coordination, practical skills and an understanding of healthy lifestyles, while also recognising the positive relationship between physical activity and emotional wellbeing.

Developing the Whole Student

Our curriculum is designed around more than academic attainment. It develops the knowledge, skills, behaviours and personal qualities that students need to progress successfully into further education, employment and adult life.

Through projects, students develop:

• Communication and literacy

• Numeracy and problem-solving

• Teamwork and collaboration

• Planning and organisation

• Creativity and critical thinking

• Independence and responsibility

• Resilience and perseverance

• Practical and vocational skills

• Confidence and self-esteem

• Employability and workplace behaviours

Students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their learning, helping them develop independence and a stronger belief in their own ability to succeed.

Individualised Achievement

Every student arrives with different experiences, abilities, interests and barriers to learning. A project-based curriculum allows learning to be personalised around individual needs and interests while maintaining clear educational expectations.

Projects can be differentiated to provide appropriate levels of challenge, allowing students to experience genuine success while continuing to make progress. Individual targets can be embedded naturally within projects, providing opportunities to evidence academic, personal, social and vocational development.

This means progress is not measured solely through examination results. We can also recognise improvements in attendance, engagement, behaviour, independence, communication, confidence, practical skills and readiness for the next stage of education or employment.

Preparing Students for Life Beyond ALP

Ultimately, successful alternative provision should help students move towards a positive future. Project-based learning mirrors many of the skills and behaviours expected in further education, employment and adult life.

Students learn to meet deadlines, solve problems, communicate with others, take responsibility, respond to feedback and see tasks through to completion. They experience the satisfaction of producing something tangible and understanding the contribution they have made.

By combining academic learning with practical experience and personal development, our curriculum aims to ensure that students leave ALP with more than qualifications. They leave with greater confidence, stronger skills, a clearer sense of their own potential and the tools to take their next steps successfully.

A Positive Alternative to Traditional Education

For schools and local authorities, our project-based approach provides an ambitious alternative for students who may struggle to engage with conventional education. It maintains a clear focus on academic progress while recognising that meaningful engagement, wellbeing, physical health, personal development and individual achievement are all important parts of educational success.

Our aim is simple: to re-engage students with learning, identify and develop their strengths, and provide them with the knowledge, qualifications, confidence and life skills they need to succeed.