The BUSY Group and Sporting Wallsend are launching a new alternative education model tailored for young people at risk of disengagement.
The BUSY Group and Sporting Wallsend (part of the world-famous Wallsend Boys Club) are proud to announce a groundbreaking new partnership designed to meet the needs of young people struggling to achieve their potential in mainstream education.
With over a century of community service in the North East, Wallsend Boys Club is a local institution with an international reputation. Founded in 1904 by the Swan Hunter Shipbuilders to educate its apprentices, the organisation has achieved widespread recognition for its work with young people, and its ‘More Than Football’ strapline reflects the wider community work it delivers through Sporting Wallsend and the organisation’s Community Hub.
Now, in partnership with The BUSY Group — an experienced social enterprise delivering highly successful alternative education models in Australia and New Zealand — a new chapter is beginning.
From September, we’ll be launching our alternative education offer for learners in Key Stage 4 who are at risk of disengagement from mainstream schooling. Delivered jointly by The BUSY Group and Sporting Wallsend for two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), the learning provision will be based at the Sporting Wallsend site.
Our flexible and bespoke curriculum will be rooted in vocational exploration and offer trauma-informed mentoring and support which draws on The BUSY Group’s Australian model. Students will be able to work toward qualifications that open pathways to employment and undertake opportunities like the FA-accredited Playmaker Award which build directly on Wallsend’s proud sporting legacy.
Crucially, the programme will be underpinned by wraparound health and wellbeing support through our colleagues at Health2Employment (H2E), part of the BUSY Group UK, and the learning will also be supported by two other hugely respected local organisations, Family Gateway and Power Through Sport.
Our shared vision is to grow this model over time, with our future post-16 provision offering a two-year vocational pathway for 16–19-year-olds to help them bridge the gap between education and employment.
This is a partnership borne of The BUSY Group’s vast educational experience in supporting young people across the globe as well as the established community credentials of Sporting Wallsend. It is a statement of intent — designed to offer something better and bolder for young people to reconnect to their learning and a future they deserve. If you would like further information please contact the partnership contact on BUSYSchoolWallsend@thebusygroup.org.uk
You’re invited to join us at our Open Day!
WHEN: Tuesday 16th September – 3pm-5pm
WHERE: Peter Olsen Community Hub, Wallsend Boys Club, Kirkley Park Wallsend NE28 8SX United Kingdom
This special event will showcase how sport and education can work hand-in-hand to re-engage learners, build brighter futures, and strengthen our community. Whether you’re a parent, educator, community leader, or simply passionate about creating positive change, you’ll be part of something inspiring.
Register your interest now: RSVP TODAY