Book Appointment

Our Learning Space for Ages 10–12yrs

Mindful • Soulful • Democratic

Welcome to our learning space for children aged 10 to 12 — a thoughtful, empowering environment where young people begin to step into greater independence, deeper inquiry, and a stronger sense of who they are as learners.

This stage marks an important transition. Students are ready to explore ideas with more complexity, take greater ownership of their learning, and play an active role in shaping their community. Children can attend 1, 2, or 3 days per week, choosing a rhythm that suits their needs and interests.

Learning With Purpose and Voice

At the heart of our 10–12 group is self-directed learning. Teaching is guided by students’ questions, curiosity, and lived experiences. Through discussion, exploration, and collaboration, learners decide what they want to investigate — individually or together — and are encouraged to think critically, creatively, and independently.

Each week, our democratic meeting brings students and educators together to choose shared topics, plan projects, and discuss ideas or concerns. This ensures learning remains relevant, meaningful, and shaped by the students themselves. Research homework and written assignments are always optional, supporting intrinsic motivation rather than pressure.

Here, education adapts to the child — not the other way around.

Growing Minds, Creative Connections

As thinking deepens at this age, so does our creative and interdisciplinary approach.
Termly topics connect science, humanities, and the arts, often through the natural world, encouraging students to make creative links across subjects and to see knowledge as interconnected. Learning is experiential, imaginative, and enquiry-led — helping students develop confidence in their own ideas and perspectives.

Creativity & Interdisciplinary Learning

From these shared choices emerge rich, creative, and interconnected studies.
Our programme invites students to explore the natural world and human experience through a blend of science, humanities, and the arts.
Learning becomes hands-on and experiential — a chance to investigate, imagine, experiment, and connect ideas across subjects.
By seeing the world as an integrated whole, students develop broad thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of how everything relates.

Democratic Education in Action

Democratic practice becomes increasingly meaningful in the 10–12 group.
In weekly meetings, students suggest ideas, initiatives, and even rules — learning how to articulate their views, listen to others, and make collective decisions.
Beyond meetings, students can participate in student-led committees and workshops, developing leadership, responsibility, and a sense of agency within the wider community.

Meet our group leader

Gemma is a parent with two children at the learning community. She brings creativity, experience, and a deep respect for children’s autonomy to her work as an educator.

Originally trained in Theatre Studies at Bretton Hall, Gemma later moved into education, working as a Teaching Assistant, Special Needs Support Assistant, and Art teacher before completing her PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University. She went on to teach Key Stage 2, developing a strong understanding of children’s learning and development.

After becoming a parent, Gemma chose to home-educate her children, which sparked a lasting passion for self-directed and democratic education. She continues to explore and research autonomous approaches, supporting children to learn with confidence, curiosity, and independence.

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Hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
9:35am – 3:15pm
Flexible attendance – 1, 2, or 3 days per week.

  • Morning Routine

  • Topic-Based Humanities with Gemma

  • Break

  • Literature with Gemma

  • Lunch Break

  • Drama (combined groups) with Gemma

  • Morning Routine

  • Science with Liva

  • Break

  • Art with Anisha

  • Lunch Break

  • PSCHE with Emma

  • Morning Routine

  • Creative Writing with Nimrod

  • Break

  • Maths with Liva & Gemma

  • Lunch Break

  • Democratic Meeting

  • Students Decide with Gemma

We are an Ofsted-registered childcare provider. There are various means of support available to help cover fees from tax-free childcare, working tax credits, childcare vouchers and other sources.

We offer the choice or going for a walk in the beautiful Nutclough woods or staying indoors for fun movement and meditation. 

Our 4 Wellbeing Pillars