Our Stories: Jack

Being excluded from school can have a lasting impact on a pupil, causing anxiety about how this might affect their chances of gaining qualifications to build a future.

Teenager Jack needed a second chance at education once he was excluded and Foundation of Light was there to offer him one. Our Pitstop programme uses a flexible and bespoke approach to learning delivered by behaviour specialists to help those excluded back into the education system.

Jack was excluded from school after a series of incidents left his teachers with no other option. He was unable to accept the consequences of his actions and was easily influenced by others; he would be disrespectful towards staff and disruptive in lessons and it was thought that the Pitstop programme would be the most suitable place for him.

Our staff worked with Jack helping him deal with the cause of his problems and make changes for the better. As first, Jack found it difficult to get involved in discussions or group sessions due to his lack of confidence but by the end of his placement he was speaking in front of the group and was working a lot more independently, articulating his points well.

After less than five months with Foundation, Jack returned to mainstream education with the support of the Pitstop team, and has made great progress with his studies. He also attends college two days a week and his hoping to become a mechanic.

Through being able to take part in an alternative provision provided by Foundation of Light, Jack gained a second chance at getting an education and now has a much brighter future.