A secondary school in the North West of England is making headlines for its exceptional record of ensuring that every pupil leaves with a job or further education placement. EdStart, an independent school established in 2011, has effectively eliminated the number of students classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training) in its cohort. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the national statistics that reveal over 946,000 young people in the UK were NEET between July and September 2025, equating to more than 12.7 percent of 16 to 24-year-olds.
Helen Tynan recalls her son, Ben, facing immense challenges in mainstream education. Diagnosed with ADHD, he struggled to focus and often found himself on the receiving end of suspensions, which led to frequent phone calls for her to pick him up from school. With doubts about his ability to sit for his GCSEs, she feared he would become part of the growing NEET demographic.
When Ben was 13, he transitioned to alternative provision and later attended EdStart. Tynan described her initial skepticism, stating, “I didn’t think he’d even sit his GCSEs, he just couldn’t cope.” However, the school’s supportive environment fostered engagement and learning, leading to significant improvements in his behaviour and academic performance.
Under the guidance of EdStart’s education director, Kevin Buchanan, students like Ben are equipped with essential life skills, including CV writing and emotional resilience. Buchanan believes that the current education system often fails to meet the needs of young people, with traditional pathways rooted in historical practices. “The NEETs figure is so high because the education system at this moment in time doesn’t meet the changes in society,” he explained.
EdStart’s small class sizes, typically around eight students, allow for individualized support that many mainstream schools cannot offer. This tailored approach has resulted in students achieving impressive grades, with some obtaining a grade seven (equivalent to an A) despite previous struggles. The school prioritizes building confidence and self-esteem, ensuring that students view their unique journeys positively.
The curriculum is designed to be engaging and supportive, incorporating practical activities and life skills training. Facilities at the Salford site include arts and crafts rooms, a music room, and outdoor spaces for physical activities. Buchanan emphasizes the importance of nurturing a positive mindset, stating, “Finding enjoyment is something we try to instil in the students.”
The impact of EdStart’s model is evident in the stories of its students. Olivia Bailey, a 15-year-old aspiring beauty professional, expressed gratitude for the individualized support she received, which contrasted sharply with her experiences in mainstream education. “I didn’t get any help with my grades, and what courses to pick,” she noted, highlighting the difference in approach at EdStart.
Similarly, Shay Fisher, who had behavioural issues in mainstream schools, found a renewed sense of purpose at EdStart. He dreams of coaching football and has been guided through the application process for sports colleges. “The teachers here are different. They talk to you like people,” he said.
Buchanan points out that many students who might have felt like failures in traditional settings are now thriving. EdStart’s success lies not just in academic achievement but in fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal growth. “We want to be a partnership with parents,” he added, explaining that the school also offers workshops to help parents understand the educational process.
As society grapples with increasing rates of NEETs, initiatives like EdStart provide a beacon of hope. They aim to break the cycle of worklessness by preparing students for a dynamic job market. The UK government has also announced new measures, including a job guarantee scheme that pairs young people with major employers, which further underlines the importance of these educational transformations.
In a world where many young people face pressures from social media and unrealistic expectations, EdStart’s approach offers an alternative path. Through engagement, support, and practical life skills, the school not only prepares students for further education or employment but also instills a sense of confidence and purpose.
Ben Tynan’s journey exemplifies the potential for success when students are given the right tools and support. Now pursuing a professional chef foundation degree at University College Birmingham, he reflects, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the school.” His mother, having seen the transformative power of EdStart, has joined the school as a teacher, reinforcing the belief that there are many routes to success. “There’s lots of different routes to get to where you need to be, aren’t there? As long as you get there in the end, like Ben got there in the end,” she stated, encapsulating the school’s ethos.
