A young girl wearing pink rain boots and light-colored clothes is sitting in a wooden swing tied to a large tree in a forest setting. The girl is leaning back with her head tilted upward, enjoying the outdoors on a sunny day.

Progressive Education and Community Learning on the Isle of wight

A different way to learn. A community where education looks different.

Wayfinders Education is a progressive learning community on the Isle of Wight, offering relationship-led, child-centred education alongside outdoor learning, family programmes and community learning opportunities for people of all ages.

Our current and developing provision includes:

  • 🌱 Learning Community – Child-led, small-group learning for children and young people aged 5–16.

  • 🌿 Forest School – Nature-based learning sessions that encourage confidence, creativity and connection with the outdoors.

  • 🏡 Home Education – Learning opportunities and support for home-educating families.

  • 🤝 Community & Wellbeing – Adult education, wellbeing sessions and opportunities for older adults (60+) to learn, connect and belong.

Our approach is relationship-led and skills-based approach, focusing on creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, self-awareness, innovation and goal setting, helping each person grow in confidence, independence and connection to learning.

We believe learning should feel safe, meaningful and personalised, allowing every individual to grow at their own pace without pressure or comparison.

Launching September 2026 on the Isle of Wight.

Why Wayfinders Education CIC?

  • A Different Vision for Education

    Wayfinders’ Outpost was created from a belief that education should nurture the whole person, emotionally, socially, creatively and academically, not simply prepare young people for exams.

  • Community Sessions for All Ages

    We offer wider community sessions, workshops and intergenerational opportunities for all ages, creating meaningful connection and learning beyond traditional education.

  • Forest School Ethos

Our approach is rooted in nature connection, outdoor learning and Forest School principles, encouraging curiosity, reflection, resilience and wellbeing through meaningful real-world experiences.

  • Skills-Based, Project Learning

Young people learn through cross-curricular projects that combine creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and practical skills. Maths and English are embedded naturally into purposeful, engaging learning experiences.

  • Democratic & Consent-Based Practice

We believe young people deserve a voice in their learning and community. Our setting is built around respectful relationships, autonomy and shared decision-making in a safe, trauma-informed environment.

  • Freedom to Explore

Alongside structured project sessions, young people have time to follow personal interests, create independently, build practical skills and develop confidence through self-directed learning.

A New Way to Learn. A New Way to Grow.

Camping scene in a forest with a beige canopy overhead. In the foreground, there are two pillows and a blanket on the ground. There are two wooden animal-shaped chairs on the left, a small stack of firewood with a kettle and red cloth on top on the right, and a hanging chair in the background among trees and green foliage.

Want to support?

As a small, progressive provision, we don’t receive state funding but we believe education is a right for all. Your support helps ensure cost is never a barrier, so every young person can access our skills-based learning. Find out how to support us here.

want to get involved?

Whether you’re looking for a school that works differently for your child, a place to volunteer, or a way to contribute to the future of education, Wayfinders offers multiple ways to get involved and stay informed. Check out our join us page.

Want to Follow?

You can keep up to date and follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.