Inspire for 14-16

Traditional schooling isn’t for everyone, and some students require more individual support. This programme is beneficial for year 10 & year 11 students.

We aim to transform the lives of young people through high quality education, respect, and care. At Inspire, we provide learners with the opportunity to obtain good GCSE results in key subjects. We also give our students the opportunity to learn from a college campus environment, meaning that there is an easy transition into post-sixteen provision if they choose to stay at NWSLC.

Inspire is now also available at our Wigston Campus
Inspire is an alternative provision for year 10 & 11 pupils who are struggling to cope or thrive in mainstream education. We offer small, supported classes for pupils to study Maths and English GCSE and functional skills.

We are specialists in ensuring every student enjoys an educational pathway that is adapted to their individual needs.

The provision at Wigston is based at the Bobbin Factory; which has light and spacious class rooms that offer additional breakout areas for students, with a large social area and catering facilities. This is the perfect environment for students to progress in their studies.

We recognise that some learners are excited about a fresh start, where others can often be worried or anxious. Our induction process helps to create a smooth transition into learning at Inspire. It gives new students the opportunity to get to know their new environment as well and the staff who are here to help them. At the same time, it ensures that we get to know each student as an individual.

All students at Inspire need to be referred to us by a school or a Local Authority. We are unable to accept direct referrals from parents. Once we have received the referral paperwork, we aim to make a prompt decision as to whether we feel we can meet the need of the student and that we are indeed the right place for them.

At Inspire, we teach a GCSE syllabus. Students will study Maths and English, as these are the core subjects needed for entry to further and higher education, and many career pathways. Students also study Science, Geography, PSHE and Expressive Art and Design.

GCSEs are now graded 9-1 with 9 being the highest grade. The new 9-1 grades compare to A*-G as follows:

Old GCSE Grades New GCSE Grades
A*

A

9

8

7

B

C

6

5 – good pass

4 – standard pass

D

E

F

G

3

2

1

U U

 

For our education to be truly successful, we require a working between parents and Inspire and parents/carers and students. We greatly value the support of parents/carers and welcome any questions or comments. We pride ourselves on communication and hope that you take the opportunity to work with us.

Meet The Team!

Natasha Evans - Faculty Manager - 14-16 Provision

Welcome to Inspire, we are excited for you to join us! I am Natasha and I am Faculty Manager for all 14-16 provision at NWSLC; this means I oversee the management of Inspire, our 14-16 Alternative Provision, our Elective Home Education department, and our Infill programmes across all our college sites. I have worked at the college since July 2019 and think it is a fantastic place to work and study. 

We are here to offer you an alternative education, different to a mainstream setting. This is a great opportunity for you to learn in an adult environment, build positive relationships and achieve a variety of qualifications you may not have achieved at school. The Inspire team are terrific; they will listen to your voice, give you space to develop and make sure your time with us is as fun as it is valuable to your next step in education.  

Good luck, and remember, everyone makes mistakes, it’s how we recover from them that is the true lesson.   

Stuart Girvan - Maths Teacher

I have taught maths for the Inspire provision for over five years. I hold my teaching qualification and specialist maths qualifications. In Inspire we teach GCSE and functional skills maths. I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, watching comedies and reading. I like going out for nice food and seeing my favourite bands perform.

Karen Barber - English Teacher

I have taught English Language and Literature in Inspire for the past seven years. As a student, I attended University of Birmingham and completed an English Literature BA which included studying Anglo Saxon English for two years alongside spending a year at the Royal Shakespeare Institute, studying Medieval English and Shakespeare. I continued my studies and completed a Postgraduate Certificate (MPhilB) in Literature and Modernity where I specialised in Victorian women’s writing. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, my horses and reading. 

Kelsey Varden - Alternative Provision Lead

I am Kelsey and I am the Alternative Provision Team Leader for Inspire at NWSLC.

I oversee the day to day running of Inspire and work with an amazing team of people to ensure your learning suits your needs. We are a fun and creative team, and we are always there to support you at each step of your journey.

I have worked within the college for over 8 years, starting as a teaching assistant and becoming a fully qualified teacher. My main subject and passion is Science, so you may find me in the lab doing some wild science experiments. My hobbies include watching nature programmes (especially anything with David Attenborough), reading, listening to music, and exploring new places.

I and the team cannot wait to meet you and help you with the next step of your journey.

Danielle Osborne - Expressive Arts and Design Teacher

Hello! I’m Danielle or you can call me Danie. I started my journey at Inspire in January 2021 as a Teaching Assistant, in December 2021 I began my journey training to become an Art teacher.  I have a BA Honours degree in Illustration and Fine Art and continue to explore the subject through my hobbies which are blackout poetry, exploring gothic architecture and woodland walks; with a bit of photography thrown in the mix! 

Victoria Owen - PSHE and Science Teacher

My name is Victoria Owen. Everyone at Inspire calls me Tors. I studied at the University of Wales and have a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Theology and World Faiths. I then went on to study a Postgraduate Certificate of Education and have Qualified Teacher Status. 

I have worked at Inspire for four years, teaching GCSE Geography and PSHE (Short Course). When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my family and friends, eating good food, going to concerts and watching Birmingham City Football Club. 

Susann Parchment - Functional Skills Teacher and Teaching Assistant

Hi, my name is Sue. I am both a teacher and a teaching assistant here in Inspire. I teach Functional Skills, English and Catering in our enrichment sessions. I do not take myself too seriously and like to make learning fun with our students. However, my expectations will always be high of you all, and I hope that you will jump on board the education journey with me.  I am understanding, patient and happy to help you both in and out of class. When I am not at work I like to cook, watch Netflix, and spend time with my family.  

Jemma Hurren - Teaching Assistant

Hello, I’m Jemma, a teaching assistant at Inspire. I joined Inspire in January 2022 after almost a decade in the utility industry. I am a FA affiliated football coach and volunteer with a U15’s team and a U6’s team in my spare time. I also captain one of my hometown football teams, where I play centre midfield! I grew up in London, and when I moved up to the midlands, I attended this college and achieved an HND in art and design photography. 

Elsie Hutchinson - Teaching Assistant

I enjoy this role and I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in a young person’s life. I hold a level 3 STLS qualification and will soon begin a degree in Early Childhood Studies. My interests and hobbies include watching movies, socialising, visiting new places, listening to music, podcasts, and audiobooks. 

Emma Williams - Pastoral Coach

My name is Emma Williams and I have been a Pastoral Coach for Inspire since November 2021. I’ve worked with young people for many years as a youth worker and more recently in mainstream secondary school as a SEN Teaching Assistant: I also taught some PSHE. I have a foundation degree in working with young people and young people’s services and I’ve done a wide variety of training courses related to working with young people, such as Mental Health first aid, sexual health, and behaviour management. I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends. I also volunteer for a local marching band ‘Phantom Knights’, which my son is a member of.

Christina Bird - Pastoral Coach

I have been a Pastoral Coach here at Inspire since 2021.  While at school I completed my GCSEs including Maths and English.  After studying Physical Education alongside Leisure and Tourism at college I achieved my advanced GNVQ Level 3, this also included Maths, English and I.C.T at Level 3. 

I have worked in various educational settings, with NEETs, adults and with apprentices too.  While undertaking this kind of work I completed my PTTLs which is now known as AET (Award in Education and Training). I very much enjoy watching all sports including football, basketball, and darts.  I also enjoy watching horror and thriller movies. 

Kathryn Coen - Administration Assistant

Hello, my name is Kathryn (Kat) Coen. I am the Admin Assistant here at Inspire, I started working for the College in November 2021. Although I am new in my position, I originally worked within the College when I left school as an Apprentice. During this time, I completed Business Administration, Customer Service and Literacy and Numeracy Level 2 courses. Outside of work I enjoy spending time and making memories with my daughters, family, and friends. 

Rebecca Marks - Pastoral Coach

My name is Rebecca, but people call me ‘Bekki’ and I joined Inspire in May 2022 as a Pastoral Coach. I have worked with young people for several years in and out of educational settings. My passion is for mental health, with my degree being a Psychology BSc and I am also currently training to gain qualified counsellor status to pursue my passion. I believe that each person has the ability to grow and reach the best version of themselves, and EVERYONE needs a helping hand in this process. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, eating food and spending time with family and my friends.

Yasmin Hutchinson - Pastoral Coach

My name is Yasmin, but I do prefer Yaz. I have been a pastoral coach with inspire since October 2022 and although I am new to this role, I have worked within the education setting for almost 10 years both volunteering and paid work. During this time, I have obtained my level 3 diploma in youth work, and in health and social care. Additionally, I have completed a vast amount of training in CCE, CSE, sexual health, mental health and suicide prevention and county lines.

 

My aim whilst here is to ensure every young person is encouraged to explore and achieve their highest potential and support any barriers that may impact on this.

 

Whilst not working, I enjoy being productive and trying new things, especially with my two boys.

Quotes From Inspire Students

“Inspire made me realise that I can achieve many things. This includes improving my maths, English, and science skills more than I ever thought I could. Smaller classes have helped me to concentrate more, and when I am struggling, I am able to get the help I need.”
Luke Underhill, Year 10

“Whilst I have been at Inspire I have developed many new positive characteristics, and this has helped me overcome the negativity in my life. The staff at Inspire pay attention to students’ individual and personal needs and set boundaries to help us to reach our full potential. As students we feel valued and respected. Teachers make the work more interesting and entertaining.”
Chloe Beech , Year 11  

“The staff at Inspire have really helped me to figure out who I am, as have been out of mainstream school for four years. They treat us so differently and always with respect. I have also met some of my closest friends at Inspire. I’ve learned a lot in the short time I have been here.”
Ocean George, Year 11 

“My experience at Inspire was completely different from what I expected it to be. I thought it was going to be really strict, but the Inspire team are so welcoming and caring. I never thought I would learn as much as I have. I am so glad that I can attend Inspire because I honestly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Craig Martin, Year 10

“I have been with Inspire since Year 10, and I have realised that I had learnt more in my first six months here then I had ever learnt in mainstream school. Learning is fun in Inspire. I would like to thank all of the staff for their support and the fun times!”
Trinity Morrissey, Year 11