Reflecting on an Incredible 2025/26 Academic Year at Navigators

As the 2025/26 academic year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been another remarkable year for Navigators.

Every achievement this year represents the dedication of our learners, families, staff, partner schools, employers and community organisations who share our mission of helping young people whose needs are unable to be met by mainstream education to build brighter futures.

From expanding our specialist alternative provision across Greater Manchester to celebrating student success and strengthening our partnerships, this year has been one of growth, opportunity and life-changing impact.

Highlights include…

• Enrolling over 300 students onto our bespoke Navigators provisions across Greater Manchester
• Launching two brand new Navigators Education Skills and Training Academy (NESTA) centres in Wythenshawe and Bolton
• Andy Burnham pledging his full support for our mission to transform the lives of young people across Greater Manchester and attending the launch of our Bolton NESTA
• Introducing our Atlas programme for learners with complex needs in Wythenshawe
• Our CEO and Founder, Anthony Thompson, received the Worker Bee award at the I Love Manchester Awards
• 17 students sat an impressive 139 GCSE examinations across a wide range of subjects
• We hosted the inaugural Navigators Prom for the Class of 2026!

As we look ahead to September and the start of a new academic year, we’re excited to welcome new learners, continue expanding opportunities across Greater Manchester and build on the incredible progress made this year. Thank you to every learner, family, member of staff and partner who has been part of our journey – we can’t wait to see what 2026/27 has in store.