alternative provision offer to schools
The Garage Trust’s mission is to change people’s lives through art, especially the lives of young people, and those who face challenging circumstances.
Please click the drop down list below to find all the details you need, but if you have any questions about our Alternative Provision offers, please do not hesitate to contact us at education@thegarage.org.uk.
WHO THE PROGRAMME IS SUITABLE FOR
- at risk of exclusion
- regularly suspended from school
- non-attenders or school refusers
- already permanently excluded
- SEND young people with needs not being met at current school
- OR SEND young people who are waiting for a place at an oversubscribed SEND school
- attending a Short Stay school
(Please note that young people who are voluntarily home-schooled are eligible, but payment needs to be made by a parent/guardian)
HOW WE ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE
We use performing arts, and performing arts processes as tools to engage young people. Whilst engagement in creativity is key, a crucial factor of this work, the learning outcomes relate to both creative technical skills and the development needs of the young people to help them better engage and find fulfilment both inside and outside of their educational environment.
- Recognising and articulating emotions
- Creative thinking & Problem Solving
- Building Resilience
- Flexibility
- Empathy
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Relationships
- Improved communication & social skills
2025-2026
PROVISIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
SPARK ~ Small beginning of energy, creative flash
Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Tuesdays ONLY at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
FLARE ~ Shining brightly, individuality, confidence
ACCELERATE ~ Building speed and skills
Tuesdays & Wednesdays at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm + BTEC Qualification from September 2025-July 2026 (Referrals open until October 2025)
**Under 16’s No BTEC would attend Spark and/or Flare provisions
IGNITE ~ Beginning adulthood, "turning the key" to independence
Not currently open for referrals.
Post 16 BTEC Qualification Provision (Ages 16+)
Thursdays & Fridays at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm + BTEC Qualification from September 2025-July 2026 (Referrals open until October 2025)
AMPLIFY ~ Finding your sound, turning up the volume and tune into your talent
COSTING
Please contact directly for details at education@thegarage.org.uk
PROVISION DAYS AND TIMES
- BTEC Qualification Secondary Provision: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:15am-2:30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Secondary Provision (ages 11-18) (Bronze Arts Award, No BTEC): Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays 9:15-2:30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Secondary Music Based Provision (ages 11-18): Thursdays ONLY 9.15-2.30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Post 16 BTEC Qualification Provision: Thursdays and Fridays 9:15am-2:30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Transport is not provided, but can be for an additional cost
Lunch can be provided at an additional cost
TERM DATES 2025-2026
2026-2027
PROVISIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
Non-Accredited, 1 day a week (Bronze Arts Award Optional):
SPARK ~ Small beginning of energy, creative flash
Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Music and Drama based learning, Bronze Arts Award available at an extra cost.
Tuesdays ONLY, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
FLARE ~ Shining brightly, individuality, confidence
Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Drama based learning, Bronze Arts Award available at an extra cost.
Wednesdays ONLY, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
AMPLIFY ~ Finding your sound, turning up the volume and tune into your talent
Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Music based learning, Bronze Arts Award available at an extra cost.
Thursdays ONLY, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
Accredited, 2 days a week:
ACCELERATE ~ Building speed and skills
AQA Unit Award Scheme in Performing Arts
Ages 13-18 (up to 25 years with EHCP)
AQA Unit Award Scheme (Level 1 and Level 2), Bronze Arts Award, Performing Arts based learning
Tuesdays & Wednesdays* 9.15am-2.30pm from September 2026-July 2027 (Referrals open until October 2026)
*Students must commit to two days a week for 1 academic year to complete AQA Unit Award Scheme Units
TURBO ~ Finding your sound, turning up volume higher
AQA Unit Award Scheme in Music
Ages 13-18 (up to 25 years with EHCP)
AQA Unit Award Scheme (Level 1 and Level 2), Bronze Arts Award, Music based learning
Thursdays and Fridays* 9.15am-2.30pm from September 2026-July 2027 (Referrals open until October 2026)
*Students must commit to two days a week for 1 academic year to complete AQA Unit Award Scheme Units
IGNITE ~ Beginning adulthood, “turning the key” to independence
BTEC Performing Arts
BTEC Qualification Provision, ages 13-18 (up to 25 years with EHCP)
BTEC Level 1 / 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts, Bronze Arts Award, Drama based learning
Thursdays & Fridays* 9.15am-2.30pm from September 2026-July 2027 (Referrals open until October 2026)
*Students must commit to two days a week for 1 academic year to complete BTEC Tech Award
COSTING
Please contact directly for details at education@thegarage.org.uk
PROVISION DAYS AND TIMES
| PROVISION | DAYS | TIMES |
|---|---|---|
| SPARK | Tuesdays only | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| FLARE | Wednesdays only | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| AMPLIFY | Thursdays only | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| ACCELERATE | Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| TURBO | Thursdays & Fridays | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| IGNITE | Thursdays & Fridays | 9.15am-2.30pm |
TERM DATES 2026-2027
| Term Dates 2026-2027 | Length | Start Date | Half Term | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 14 weeks | W/C 7 September | W/C 26 October | W/C 14 December |
| Spring Term | 11 weeks | W/C 4 January | W/C 15 February | W/C 22 March |
| Summer Term | 13 weeks | W/C 12 April | W/C 31 May | W/C 12 July |
Alternative provision offer to schools
Alternative Provision Offer 2025/26:
- at risk of exclusion
- regularly suspended from school
- non-attenders or school refusers
- already permanently excluded
- SEND young people with needs not being met at current school
- OR SEND young people who are waiting for a place at an oversubscribed SEND school
- attending a Short Stay school
(Please note that young people who are voluntarily home-schooled are eligible, but payment needs to be made by a parent/guardian)
We use the performing arts and performing arts processes as tools to engage young people. Whilst engagement in creativity is key, a crucial factor of this work, the learning outcomes relate to both creative technical skills and the development needs of the young people to help them better engage and find fulfilment both inside and outside of their educational environment.
- Recognising and articulating emotions
- Creative thinking & Problem Solving
- Building Resilience
- Flexibility
- Empathy
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Relationships
- Improved communication & social skills
BTEC Level 1 / 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (Qualification number 603/7054/3) starting September 2025:
Our Alternative Provision (Unregulated) programme offers performing arts classes to small groups of learners, of up to a maximum of 10 per group.
Our facilitators follow the National Curriculum outcomes to:
- Promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of learners
- Prepare learners for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life
- Explore Language and Literacy to develop learners’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary
- We use NASUWT The Teachers Union, Antiracism & Decolonising the Curriculum Framework to consider the creative content of our programmes, supporting the learners to think critically about equality, rights and justice and to challenge discrimination, disadvantage and injustice
- Our programmes encourage learners to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance promoting fundamental British values
Provision Days & Times:
- BTEC Qualification Secondary Provision: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:15am-2:30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Secondary Provision (ages 11-18) (Bronze Arts Award, No BTEC): Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays 9:15-2:30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Secondary Music Based Provision (ages 11-18): Thursdays ONLY 9.15-2.30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Post 16 BTEC Qualification Provision: Thursdays and Fridays 9:15am-2:30pm at The Garage, NR2 1NY
- Transport is not provided, but can be for an additional cost
Lunch can be provided at an additional cost
There are several provisions to choose from:
SPARK
Small beginning of energy, creative flash
- Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
- Tuesdays ONLY at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
FLARE
Shining brightly, individuality, confidence
- Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Wednesdays ONLY at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
ACCELERATE (Under 16 BTEC)
*Not currently on referral form
Building speed and skills
- BTEC Qualification Secondary Provision (ages 13-16)
Tuesdays & Wednesdays at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm + BTEC Qualification from September 2025-July 2026 (Referrals open until October 2025)
**Under 16’s No BTEC would attend Spark and/or Flare provisions
IGNITE (POST 16 BTEC)
*Not currently on referral form
Beginning adulthood, “turning the key” to independence
- Post 16 BTEC Qualification Provision (Ages 16+)
- Thursdays & Fridays at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm + BTEC Qualification from September 2025-July 2026 (Referrals open until October 2025)
AMPLIFY
- Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
- Music-based learning
- Thursdays ONLY at The Garage, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
Costing:
- BTEC Qualification Secondary AND Post 16 BTEC Qualification Provision: Starting at £170 per day per learner for group work (maximum of 10 students per cohort) 2 days a week for 38 weeks. Bronze Arts Award costs included. BTEC Qualification costs – £500 (please note, learners can do this course for 2 years).
- Secondary Provision* (No BTEC Qualification): Starting at £170 per day per learner for group work. Bronze Arts Award Costs – £100.
To make a referral, click the icon below:
To make a referral for 2026-2027, click the icon below:
alternative provision offer to schools
The Garage Trust’s mission is to change people’s lives through art, especially the lives of young people, and those who face challenging circumstances.
Please click the drop down list below to find all the details you need, but if you have any questions about our Alternative Provision offers, please do not hesitate to contact us at education@thegarage.org.uk.
WHO THE PROGRAMME IS SUITABLE FOR
- at risk of exclusion
- regularly suspended from school
- non-attenders or school refusers
- already permanently excluded
- SEND young people with needs not being met at current school
- OR SEND young people who are waiting for a place at an oversubscribed SEND school
- attending a Short Stay school
(Please note that young people who are voluntarily home-schooled are eligible, but payment needs to be made by a parent/guardian)
HOW WE ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE
We use performing arts, and performing arts processes as tools to engage young people. Whilst engagement in creativity is key, a crucial factor of this work, the learning outcomes relate to both creative technical skills and the development needs of the young people to help them better engage and find fulfilment both inside and outside of their educational environment.
- Recognising and articulating emotions
- Creative thinking & Problem Solving
- Building Resilience
- Flexibility
- Empathy
- Motivation
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Relationships
- Improved communication & social skills
PROVISIONS TO CHOOSE FROM
Non-Accredited, 1 day a week (Bronze Arts Award Optional):
SPARK ~ Small beginning of energy, creative flash
Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Music and Drama based learning, Bronze Arts Award available at an extra cost.
Tuesdays ONLY, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
FLARE ~ Shining brightly, individuality, confidence
Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Drama based learning, Bronze Arts Award available at an extra cost.
Wednesdays ONLY, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
AMPLIFY ~ Finding your sound, turning up the volume and tune into your talent
Secondary Provision (ages 11-18)
Music based learning, Bronze Arts Award available at an extra cost.
Thursdays ONLY, 9.15am-2.30pm (Referrals ongoing)
Accredited, 2 days a week:
ACCELERATE ~ Building speed and skills
Under 16 AQA Unit Award Scheme in Performing Arts
Secondary Provision (ages 13-16)
AQA Unit Award Scheme (Level 1 and Level 2), Bronze Arts Award, Performing Arts based learning
Tuesdays & Wednesdays* 9.15am-2.30pm from September 2026-July 2027 (Referrals open until October 2026)
*Students must commit to two days a week for 1 academic year to complete AQA Unit Award Scheme Units
TURBO ~ Finding your sound, turning up volume higher
Under 16 AQA Unit Award Scheme in Music
Secondary Provision (ages 13-16)
AQA Unit Award Scheme (Level 1 and Level 2), Bronze Arts Award, Music based learning
Thursdays and Fridays* 9.15am-2.30pm from September 2026-July 2027 (Referrals open until October 2026)
*Students must commit to two days a week for 1 academic year to complete AQA Unit Award Scheme Units
IGNITE ~ Beginning adulthood, “turning the key” to independence
Post 16 BTEC
Post 16 BTEC Qualification Provision (Ages 16+)
BTEC Level 1 / 2 Tech Award in Performing Arts, Bronze Arts Award, Drama based learning
Thursdays & Fridays* 9.15am-2.30pm from September 2026-July 2027 (Referrals open until October 2026)
*Students must commit to two days a week for 1 academic year to complete BTEC Tech Award
COSTING
Starting at £170 per day per learner for group work (maximum of 10 students per cohort) 2 days a week for 38 weeks. Bronze Arts Award costs included. BTEC Qualification costs – £500 (please note, learners can do this course for 2 years).
Secondary Provision* (No BTEC Qualification):
Starting at £170 per day per learner for group work. Bronze Arts Award Costs – £100.
PROVISION DAYS AND TIMES
| PROVISION | DAYS | TIMES |
|---|---|---|
| SPARK | Tuesdays only | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| FLARE | Wednesdays only | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| AMPLIFY | Thursdays only | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| ACCELERATE | Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| TURBO | Thursdays & Fridays | 9.15am-2.30pm |
| IGNITE | Thursdays & Fridays | 9.15am-2.30pm |
TERM DATES 2026-2027
| Term Dates 2026-2027 | Length | Start Date | Half Term | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 14 weeks | W/C 7 September | W/C 26 October | W/C 14 December |
| Spring Term | 11 weeks | W/C 4 January | W/C 15 February | W/C 22 March |
| Summer Term | 13 weeks | W/C 12 April | W/C 31 May | W/C 12 July |