Wayfinders’ Outpost is a small, alternative learning community designed for young people who need something different from conventional education. Rooted in a Forest School ethos, our approach brings learning outdoors and centres wellbeing, creativity, autonomy and connection at the heart of each day.

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, creating a calm, supportive environment where every child is genuinely known and valued.

The Primary and Secondary groups will run separately, with learning, projects and support tailored to each stage of development. However, there may also be opportunities at times for the groups to come together through shared projects, community activities, outdoor experiences and celebrations, allowing for meaningful intergenerational-style learning and connection across ages.

Our vision is to offer a space free from unnecessary pressure, judgement and comparison. A place where young people can rediscover curiosity, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Learning is project-based, cross-curricular and co-created alongside young people, allowing their interests, ideas and questions to shape the direction of learning. Maths and English are woven progressively into meaningful real-world projects, while creativity, critical thinking, innovation, self-awareness and practical life skills remain central throughout.

Nature and community are deeply embedded within the setting. Young people will spend significant time outdoors, learning through exploration, practical experiences, collaborative projects and reflective time in nature. Intergenerational opportunities and community involvement will also form part of the wider vision of the space.

After years of working within mainstream education and seeing many young people struggle within systems not designed for them, Wayfinders’ Outpost was created to offer an approach that nurtures the whole child, emotionally, socially, creatively and academically.

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

The morning will usually include two cross-curricular, project-based learning sessions where young people explore themes through creativity, discussion, problem-solving and hands-on experiences.

Projects may combine:

• Science

• Humanities

• Arts

• Environmental learning

• Practical skills

• Maths & English in meaningful contexts

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.

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.

Interested in Joining?

We’ll be offering:

• Summer trial days

• Open visits to the space

• Parent conversations and Q&A sessions

Families interested in September 2026 spaces can join our waitlist below.