Wayfinders' Outpost is a small, alternative learning community for young people who need something different from conventional education.

A place where learning can happen through movement, nature, practical experiences, creativity, relationships and the things that genuinely spark curiosity.

Where young people are known as individuals rather than measured against everyone else.

Where there is space to slow down, think, explore, make mistakes, try again and discover what they're capable of.

Forest School is part of what we do. But it isn't the whole story.

We use the outdoors, community and real-world experiences as a foundation for meaningful learning across the curriculum, while nurturing the confidence, independence, creativity and relationships that help young people thrive.

Could this be right for your young person?

Wayfinders Outpost may be a good fit for young people who:

• find large or busy educational environments overwhelming

• have become disengaged from conventional learning

• learn best through practical, creative or hands-on experiences

• need more flexibility and autonomy

• have interests and strengths that aren't always visible in a traditional classroom

• benefit from smaller groups and strong relationships

• need an environment where wellbeing and learning are considered together

We're not trying to create a smaller version of school. We're asking what learning could look like if we started with the young person.

Small enough to know every young person

From September 2026, we will begin with two small groups:

• Primary Group — ages 5–10

• Secondary Group — ages 11–16

Each group will have a maximum of just 8 young people.

A small group allows us to build genuine relationships, understand how each young person learns, notice when they need support or space, and give their interests a meaningful place in the learning journey.

The groups will have their own age-appropriate learning, while shared projects, outdoor experiences, community activities and celebrations will create opportunities for young people of different ages to learn alongside one another.

Learning that doesn't always look like a lesson

At Outpost, learning is project-based, cross-curricular and co-created with young people.

A project might begin with a question, an idea, an interest or something we've discovered outdoors.

Along the way, young people might use:

Science.
To investigate, experiment and understand the world around them.

Maths.
To measure, calculate, plan, compare and solve real problems.

English.
To communicate, research, write, discuss and share ideas.

Humanities.
To explore people, places, cultures, history and the environment.

Creativity.
To imagine, design, make and express.

But alongside the academic curriculum, we're deliberately developing the things young people need beyond school:

• confidence

• communication

• collaboration

• critical thinking

• emotional literacy

• independence

• problem solving

• creativity

• practical life skills

• connection to nature and community

Sometimes you won't even realise you're learning.

And that's rather the point.

What Will a Typical Day Look Like?

No two days will look exactly the same, but the rhythm of the day may include:

Morning Arrival & Grounding

Young people arrive into a calm environment with time to settle slowly into the day through:

• Yoga or quiet reflection

• Nature connection

• Journalling, reading or simply space to be

Morning Project Sessions

Project-based learning brings together different areas of the curriculum through practical experiences, discussion, creativity, problem-solving and the interests of the group.

Shared Lunch

Lunch is an important part of community life at Wayfinders’ Outpost with a time to gather together, connect, talk and slow down.

Afternoon Exploration

Afternoons are more free-flowing and inspired by Forest School principles, allowing young people to:

• Follow personal interests and projects

• Build practical skills

• Spend time outdoors

• Collaborate with others

• Create, explore and reflect at their own pace

This balance of structure and freedom supports independence, intrinsic motivation and emotional wellbeing.

Curriculum & Intent

Our curriculum is skills-based, progressive and deeply relational. Alongside academic development, we prioritise:

• Creativity and innovation

• Emotional literacy and self-awareness

• Communication and collaboration

• Critical thinking and problem solving

• Confidence and independence

• Connection to nature, community and self

The intention is not simply to prepare young people for exams, but to equip them with the practical, emotional and social skills needed to thrive in life.

Why Wayfinders?

Wayfinders was created after years of working within mainstream education and seeing how many young people struggle within environments that simply aren't designed around the way they learn best.

Some young people don't need less ambition.

They need a different route.

Some don't need more pressure.

They need to feel safe enough to engage.

Some aren't lacking curiosity.

They've simply stopped being given opportunities to use it.

We believe education should help young people discover what they're capable of, not continually remind them what they find difficult.

That's why we're building Wayfinders.

A place where learning, wellbeing, nature and community can exist together.

A place where young people can be known.

A place where they can belong.

And a place where learning can become something they want to be part of again.

Timings & Term Structure

Sessions will run 10am–3pmup to 2 days a week.

Term dates and weekly structure are currently being finalised and will be confirmed soon.

Want to find out whether we could be right for your young person?

We’d love to talk please feel free to contact us and book a visit or call or join our waitlist below.