New post-16 learning centre now open

Lemn Sissay opens new post-16 learning centre for Manchester as Navigators College comes to Burgess Hub in Harpurhey.

We are delighted to have opened our first accredited specialised post-16 provision, Navigators College. The learning centre at Burgess House in Harpurhey was officially opened by acclaimed Greater Manchester-born poet, playwright, memoirist, and broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE. 

The College provides skills for young people who are at risk of or currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) with life changing results using their unique, individualised interest led learning approach.  The new learning centre will provide an inclusive hub for the students enrolled in the programme whilst promoting high quality learning elements taken from an ambitious curriculum framework.  It represents an exciting milestone for Navigators as it continues to be the leading provision in shaping the future of a new personal, social and academic offer for children and young people.

Burgess Hub will include a number of safe one-to-one nurture and therapeutic learning spaces. This will support the ongoing crisis in young people’s social anxiety and mental health issues.

Lemn Sissay said:
“It’s been wonderful to officially open Navigators first college today. I would have loved there to be something like this when I was growing up – a programme that is persistent and persuasive in making sure that ALL young people get the opportunity to build a happy life for themselves, no matter what challenges they might be facing. The Navigators programme is nurturing, patient and individualised and it’s inspiring to see the students thrive in that environment. I’m glad that Navigators are now bringing this approach to school leavers too. It’s been great to be part of something that is making a real difference.”

Managing Director at Navigators Liz Harris added:
“We are thrilled to be opening our first accredited specialist nurture and therapeutic learning centre here in Harpurhey and are delighted to be working alongside Lemn to celebrate this milestone. Lemn’s experiences and viewpoint around the potential of young people from all backgrounds and experience aligns perfectly with our values. We believe that intelligence is composite – it is not only measured by academia and exam results. We also know that a traditional formal education pathway cannot meet all students’ needs when young people hit 16 so we provide much needed support to fill the gap.

“We have seen huge success within the 10 – 16 age group using our specialist approach and Navigators is now reshaping the education offer for young people to promote lifelong learning in their chosen pathway with Navigators College bringing those same opportunities to school leavers. We want to support young people everywhere to build a happy, and successful future. And we, like Lemn, believe that whatever experiences a young person may be facing, with the right support, attention and nurture they can overcome those challenges and create a bright future.”