At a secondary school in the North West of England, every student graduates with a job placement, thanks to a unique educational approach. EdStart, a network of specialist alternative provision schools, has achieved a remarkable record of zero students classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This success story is exemplified by the journey of 18-year-old Ben Tynan.
Ben struggled throughout his early education due to ADHD, which made concentration difficult and led to frequent disengagement and suspensions. His mother, Helen Tynan, worried that he would not complete his GCSEs, jeopardizing his future. In the UK, between July and September 2025, there were nearly 946,000 young NEETs, accounting for over 12.7 percent of individuals aged 16 to 24.
In a bid to support her son, Tynan moved Ben to EdStart when he was 13 years old. Unlike his previous experiences in mainstream education, EdStart provided an environment that fostered engagement and learning. Tynan noted a significant change: “When he started EdStart, I didn’t get weekly phone calls to say you need to pick him up. He became engaged and started learning.”
Ben’s transformation was not instantaneous. Initially reluctant to participate, he was supported by staff who helped him confront his anxiety and emotional challenges. Today, he is enrolled in a professional chef foundation degree course at University College Birmingham. Ben has discovered a passion for cooking, even if it was not initially on his radar. After overcoming exam hurdles, he found his calling in catering, dreaming of one day opening his own restaurant.
EdStart’s education director, Kevin Buchanan, attributes Ben’s success to the school’s focus on life skills beyond academic achievements. Students learn essential skills such as CV writing, teamwork, and digital literacy, preparing them for the modern workforce. “The NEETs figure is so high because the education system doesn’t meet the changes in society,” Buchanan explains, highlighting the need for schools to adapt to contemporary challenges.
Since its opening in 2011, EdStart has seen a surge in students referred to its program, driven by the increasing social and mental health needs of young people. Buchanan notes that the transition from primary to secondary school can be overwhelming, leading many students to feel lost in larger settings.
The EdStart facility in Salford, which accommodates 45 students, is designed to resemble a nurturing primary school atmosphere, featuring vibrant colors and dedicated spaces for arts, crafts, and physical activities. Students are prepared for their GCSEs in small class sizes, which allows for personalized support. Buchanan proudly states that many students leave the school with grades much higher than they anticipated.
Research by the Impetus charity indicates that young individuals with fewer than five GCSEs by age 18 are significantly more likely to become NEET. The consequences of this trend are severe, as highlighted in a government report indicating that a 22-year-old who drops out of work may lose over £1 million in lifetime earnings.
In response to the NEET crisis, the UK government has initiated a job guarantee scheme to provide work opportunities for young people, partnering with major companies like KFC and JD Sports. While these measures aim to mitigate the issue, alternative educational institutions like EdStart are crucial in breaking the cycle of unemployment and underemployment.
Students at EdStart are encouraged to celebrate their achievements, regardless of whether they achieve the traditional benchmark of five GCSEs. They receive guidance toward entry-level courses and are taught to frame their qualifications positively.
Fifteen-year-old Olivia Bailey is one of the students benefiting from the supportive environment at EdStart. She expressed her struggles in mainstream education, where she felt unsupported in choosing courses. With the help of EdStart’s careers adviser, she is now on track to meet her academic goals.
Another student, Alyssa Monks, has aspirations of becoming a wedding photographer. She credits the smaller class size and relaxed environment for her confidence in pursuing her career goals. “I don’t feel like I’m on my own,” she says, referring to the guidance provided by EdStart staff.
EdStart has also positively impacted students like Shay Fisher, who previously faced behavioral challenges in mainstream school. He now aspires to coach young footballers and appreciates the individualized attention he receives. “The teachers here are different. They talk to you like people,” Fisher remarks.
Buchanan emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of enjoyment in learning. He encourages students to pursue diverse career paths and highlights the value of relationships over mere financial ambition.
EdStart’s commitment to student success extends beyond graduation. Teachers often maintain contact with former students to ensure a smooth transition into further education or employment. Parental involvement is also prioritized, with workshops designed to support parents in navigating the educational landscape.
The school’s innovative approach aims to empower students to become self-sufficient, equipping them with skills necessary for future success. “We’re building a culture where they know it won’t just land in their lap,” Buchanan states.
Helen Tynan’s experience with EdStart has inspired her to join the staff as a teacher, allowing her to support other families navigating similar challenges. “There are lots of different routes to get to where you need to be,” she reflects, recognizing the diverse paths available to students.
EdStart exemplifies how alternative education can provide a supportive environment for students who struggle in traditional settings, ultimately leading to successful futures.
