Re-engagement Programme
Reconnect with learning.
A structured programme for young people aged 15 to 19. Year 10 and 11 students remain on roll at their school and attend with us two days a week, from 9:30am to 2:30pm.
Next intake
2 November 2026to7 February 2027
What is the re-engagement programme?
Northwell Education's re-engagement programme is designed for young people who need a supported, low-pressure environment to find their way back into learning. We do not replace school. We build the foundations that make returning to it possible.
Students work in small groups with consistent staff who know them by name. The focus is on rebuilding the habits, routines and self-belief that make further learning possible. We create the conditions for young people to return to their year groups with new ambitions and genuine confidence.
Our structured week separates into two cohorts so that every young person receives support that is right for their stage and situation.
What we are trying to achieve
Re-engagement is not about catching up. It is about getting ready.
Rebuild a positive relationship with learning and with adults in education
Develop personal confidence, self-regulation and the ability to work alongside others
Establish routine, attendance and the habits that make progress possible
Explore interests through creative and business enterprise projects
Create a clear, supported plan for what comes next
Why is it non-accredited?
The re-engagement programme does not lead to a formal qualification, and that is intentional. For young people who have had difficult experiences in education, the pressure of exams and graded assessments can be a barrier in itself. Removing that pressure creates the space to actually learn.
Instead, learners work on real creative and business enterprise projects. They present ideas, solve problems, collaborate and reflect. The skills they build are genuine and transferable, even if there is no certificate attached.
Young people who complete re-engagement and move into our vocational pathways then work towards nationally recognised qualifications. The re-engagement programme is the foundation that makes that possible.
Who is the programme for?
Year 10 and 11
For students aged 15 to 16 who have become disengaged and need a different environment to rebuild their relationship with learning. Students remain on roll at their school throughout and attend Northwell two days a week, from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Our goal is not to keep them with us permanently. It is to give them the habits, confidence and ambition to return to their year group and thrive.
- Two days a week, 9:30am to 2:30pm, remaining on roll at their school
- Small group sessions focused on routine, attendance and self-regulation
- Practical activities that rebuild curiosity and engagement with learning
- Regular progress conversations with the young person, their family and school
- Supported transition back into year group with a clear plan in place
16 to 19
For young people aged 16 to 19 who are not in education, employment or training and need a structured re-entry point. We provide a clear pathway back into learning, training or employment at a pace that works for them.
- Two days a week, 9:30am to 2:30pm
- Flexible referral routes from schools, colleges, local authority NEET teams and self-referral
- Attendance and engagement tracked and shared with referring agencies
- Integrated careers, education, information, advice and guidance
- Clear progression routes into Northwell vocational pathways or external provision
The three-stage journey
Settle and stabilise
Getting to know the environment, staff and peers. Establishing routine, attendance and basic expectations. No academic pressure. The focus is entirely on feeling safe and settled.
Engage and explore
Introducing structured activities, project-based tasks and short-term goals. Building curiosity, self-regulation and the ability to work alongside others. First conversations about interests and future direction.
Plan and progress
Consolidating progress and planning the next step. For Year 10 and 11 students, this means a supported return to their year group with new confidence and clear goals. For 16 to 19 learners, it means a transition into a vocational pathway, training or employment.
Enrolment requirements
To complete enrolment we ask families to provide a small number of documents and attend a short onboarding meeting. Here is everything you need to know before a young person starts.
Identity documents
Proof of identity
We require one of the following to confirm the young person's identity before their first day.
- Valid passport
- Full birth certificate
- National identity card
- Biometric residence permit (if applicable)
Supporting information
Background and needs
To make sure we can support every learner well from day one, we ask for the following where available.
- Referral form completed by school or local authority
- Most recent school report or attendance record
- Education, Health and Care Plan (if in place)
- Any relevant medical or SEND information
- Emergency contact details
Onboarding process
What happens next
Once we receive a referral, here is how we move from first contact to first day.
- 01Initial call with the referrer to discuss the young person's needs
- 02Taster visit for the young person and a parent or carer
- 03Documents collected and onboarding meeting held
- 04Start date agreed and confirmed in writing
Not all documents are required before a taster visit. If you are unsure what you have available, get in touch and we will guide you through it.
Common questions
For parents and young people thinking about Northwell for the first time.
Explore our other programmes
After re-engagement, young people can progress into one of our two vocational pathways.
Vocational Pathway
Creative Arts
Drama, spoken word, creative writing and performance. Leads to a Level 1 Award in Employment Skills for the Creative and Cultural Industries.
Explore Creative ArtsVocational Pathway
Business Enterprise
Marketing, finance, branding and teamwork through real enterprise tasks. Leads to an Entry Level 3 Award in Enterprise Skills.
Explore Business EnterpriseFind us
We are based at Moortown Methodist Church Centre in north Leeds. A short walk from Moortown Sainsbury's on Street Lane and well served by bus.
Nearby landmark
A short walk from Moortown Sainsbury's on Street Lane. A useful landmark whether you are travelling by car or on foot.
Refer a young person
We accept referrals from schools, local authorities, colleges, social workers and other professionals. We also welcome enquiries from young people and families directly.