Anthony Thompson

Anthony is an entrepreneur and a successful businessman. Growing up in Burnage, Manchester and a looked after child himself, Anthony has a deep understanding of the challenges and importantly, the opportunities, that adverse childhood experiences can bring. 

A passionate and committed advocate for vulnerable young people Anthony’s roles have been wide ranging and involved complex community engagement including settings outside mainstream education. It is his direct experience working closely with young people and finding ways of engaging them through sport as well as his own lived experience that eventually inspired Anthony to pioneer his own alternative education provision, Navigators.
Anthony believes that all young people have the potential to thrive no matter what their situation or history – it is this ethos that has helped to shape the Navigators programme and philosophy which celebrates individuality. One that understands the power in “Right Support, Right Place, Right Time” with specially designed bespoke programmes that inspire students with compelling aspirations that feel worth getting out of bed for, while building the foundations for a more secure and stable future. A future that ultimately leads to a happy and fulfilled life.

“All my experience has shown me that intelligence is not composite – success is not only measured by academia. I wanted to tap into the passions of the young people I was working with and have the opportunity to work with each student as an individual to relight their enthusiasm to learn.”

Anthony’s key experience includes: 

• CEO & Founder of Navigators Alternative Provision & Specialist College
• Senior Community Sports Development Manager for Manchester City Council during the 2002 Commonwealth Games and 2012 Olympic Games, with a specialist area of PE, School Sport & Inclusion
• Chair of Governors at Abbey Hey Primary School and member of the IEB to oversee the selection of the Academy sponsor
• Assistant Academy Manager at Rochdale AFC
• Talent Scout at Manchester United FC
• Elite football coach
• Founder of the community junior football club Delamere Rangers JFC 

Anthony’s key training and qualifications include:

• Foundation Degree in Community Governance at Salford University Business School
• FA Advanced Youth Football Award 

Anthony likes to watch and attend most sports, especially football, travelling, and spending time with his family and says his sole purpose is to “help people…”