Urban Pursuit is a not-for-profit alternative education provider serving schools, academies and other educational organisations across Bristol. We help vulnerable young people and those at risk of school exclusion positively re-engage with education through adrenaline sports and adventure activities.

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Founders

Neil is a former Assistant Headteacher and has 15 years of secondary school teaching experience from Bristol and Somerset schools.

Karen has a wealth of pastoral experience with vulnerable young people and has worked intensively in the field of mentoring and helping vulnerable teenagers.

→ meet the rest of our team

How is Urban Pursuit different to other alternative education providers?
Our part-time personal and social development programs work alongside a students other education commitments and our programs are designed and delivered by education professionals. Students can be with us for between 1/2 a day per week up to 2 days per week. We give individual written feedback to schools every day and our packages include transport to and from school. Students also receive mentoring as part of our packages.
What impact does the program have?
During Autumn Term 2, 2014: 100% avoided permanent exclusion. 58% avoided fixed-term exclusions. 42% improved attendance. 67% improved in-school behaviour. 40% showed improved progress in core subjects.
What is the program format?
Students typically come to us for one day a week for a minimum of two terms, but bespoke programs can be arranged. Each day consists of two different adventure sports, underpinned by personal and social development training. Students receive one-to-one in-school mentoring every term.
What do you mean by 'taking risks' to transform lives?
Although responsible risk-taking is at the very heart of our ethos, we take safety very seriously indeed. All of our adventure activities are led by qualified instructors who hold high-level, national qualifications. We fully risk-assess every activity and adventure location and put personal safety as priority number one at all times. We work under the Adventurous Activities Licencing Authority for England and Wales.
How quickly can students start?
We can generally enroll students within five school days as our programs have a continually-rolling format.

Testimonials

This is a tremendous educational experience
Chris Davies, Assistant Head, Bristol Brunel Academy
Very impressed with the organisation and communication. Urban Pursuit are miles ahead of any other provider we have experienced. We really liked the regular feedback
Gemma Mieklejohn , Inclusion Manager, Merchant’s Academy
Our kids have really enjoyed the trials. We would be interested in buying into the program
Peter Gould, Deputy Head, Orchard School