Wow… What a Day! Celebrating Growth, Impact, and Saying Goodbye (For Now)

You know those days where you stop for a second and think…
“Okay, we’ve really done something special here.”
Today was one of those days for me.

We’ve just wrapped up an incredible event — the Alternative Provision Showcase — where local high schools and professional agencies come together to meet with all the alternative provision providers in the area. A chance to connect, collaborate, and showcase what we offer.

And let me tell you…
Ashley Jade Vocational College is well and truly making an impact.

A Year of Growth, Connections, and Real Change

The last 12 months have been an absolute whirlwind. We’ve grown rapidly, we’ve developed solid service level agreements with all the high schools who attended today, and we’ve built strong working relationships with professional agencies across the local area.

So for us, this event wasn’t about making introductions anymore — it was more of a catch-up with familiar faceswho’ve supported us and referred learners to us all year.

And the feedback?
Honestly, I’m still buzzing.

We had teachers, professionals, and agency reps telling us we’ve changed learners’ lives. That we’re highly recommended. That our name is spoken about so professionally and so positively throughout the local network.

It’s hard to put into words how proud I am in moments like this. This is exactly why we do what we do.

Shoutout to the Real Superstars

Of course, I couldn’t write this without giving a huge shoutout to my amazing team.

It’s their hard work, their patience, and their passion that create the safe, secure, and supportive environment we’re known for.
Every single day, they show up and pour their energy into helping our learners re-engage, grow, and thrive.

And when you hear from schools and agencies that your provision is changing lives — that your learners feel safe, valued, and empowered — you know you’re doing something truly meaningful.

“Okay, we’ve really done something special here.”

A Bittersweet Goodbye (But Not for Long!)

This week, we also said an emotional goodbye to our fabulous Year 11 learners as they flew the nest, ready to take their next steps into the big wide world.

Some are staying with us to continue onto their Level 2 qualifications (which we can’t wait for!) and some are finally ready to reintegrate into larger settings, which is a huge achievement in itself.

Either way — we are so proud of every single one of you.

We’ll miss you dearly, but we’ll see you all again soon at our Awards Evening in September! (Get your tissues ready — I know I will.)

Final Thoughts

Today was a reminder of how far Ashley Jade Vocational College has come — not just as a provider, but as a safe space that truly transforms futures.
We’re here for the students who need something different. The ones who didn’t always have the right support. And together, we’re proving that alternative provision can be life-changing.

So here’s to the growth, the goodbyes, and the beautiful work still to come.