Our approach is driven by giving every student a powerful sense of agency - the will and the ability to positively influence their own lives and the world around them.
Education at the moment is too focused on passing tests and a narrow curriculum that doesn’t acknowledge the broader interests of children or a richer concept of human creativity. Importantly it also doesn’t help children develop the skills they need for mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
By creating an educational space that allows young people to be recognised and to participate in decision-making structures as equals, we believe every young person can fulfil their potential and go on to lead happy lives. Ultimately if we change the way we educate our children, we can change the world.
Last, but not least, we are non-fee paying – we don’t believe income should be a barrier to a better education. Read more about our school’s principles.
We Believe
Together is powerful
To develop agency it’s crucial young people work with other people – parents, teachers, the local community and each other. We believe in the power of team work, inclusivity and mutual respect. It teaches children how to work together, how to resolve conflicts and how we can all be greater than the sum of our parts.
Every child, an individual
We’re here to bring out the individual abilities and talents of every child. This isn’t a one size fits all system, where if you don’t fit in you drop out. It’s about giving control to each young person, letting them choose their own path, follow their own passions and interests. And walking by their side to make sure they are on course to meet their objectives and fulfil their potential – whatever that looks like.
Keep moving forwards
We’re big advocates for a more progressive approach to education. We embrace new thinking and the latest research to offer our young people a richer and more rewarding experience. We’re here to innovate and improve. To set new standards. And to push things forwards.
Positively
Changing
Education
We can only change the outcomes, when we change the rules of the system
I’ve created The New School, because I believe we can do things differently. I think that education can be inclusive of all young people. It can have a big impact on societal problems. We can support all young people to know themselves, to understand others, and to believe they have something to offer the world. But it has to start with every young person having a voice and a sense of purpose.
Lucy Stephens
Founder - The New School