Paul Symonds

Parent of former student (2021)

“I would like to thank Mr Armstrong for the brilliant coaching he has given to my son Kane. The training has brought on Kane’s confidence dramatically, he now has something to look forward to and aim for. There’s also been a significant change in Kane’s attitude at home. Not only training on a Monday night, Mr Armstrong picks Kane up for extra training on a Tuesday as well. This sort of encouragement and effort is much appreciated by us all.”

Josie Wyatt

Former Student (2021)

“Not only is he a great friend of my family, but he was also my maths tutor for my secondary school years. He was very determined for me to do well in school, not just in maths. He was very supportive in everything I did, and always made me see the positive side of things in every situation. Looking back now, I realise how much he did in fact help me in school. I started in set 4 for maths in year 7 and proceeded to make my way up to set 1 in year 11. He helped me achieved an excellent grade for GCSE maths which I am very proud of, and I couldn’t have achieved it if it wasn’t for his help.”

Sarah Higgins

Mother of student (2021)

“Richard has been working with our fourteen year old son tutoring him math for over four years now.

 We have noticed significant improvements in not only our sons knowledge of math but also his confidence and attitude to learning in all subjects at school.

Richard is not only a fantastic teacher but a great influence on his students and I cannot recommend him enough!”

Faye Symonds

Parent of former student (2021)

“Thank you for so much for all what you have done for Kane. Honestly, he is such a happier boy thanks to you and his boxing. I hope it continues and he becomes the next Tyson Fury. Thank you.”

Richard Selby

Grandfather of former student (2020)

“Callum was chosen for the Young Writers Award which was also published. Callum enjoyed his cooking and after getting the grades he needed, he is now studying catering at college!”

Rachel Wyatt

Parent of former student (2021)

“Having met Richard 10 years ago, I’ve got to know him pretty well. He is an extremely thoughtful, helpful, kind and caring person who has had a very positive influence on mine and my family’s lives. He wills people to succeed in whatever they do with his enthusiasm. His warm and friendly nature brings out the best in people and brings a smile to their face. When his beloved Arsenal lose is the only time his smile drops!”

Debbie Roberts

Parent of former student (2020)

“Romeo was a previous student of Wayne’s . A bit of background is that Romeo couldn’t cope in high school and ended up missing  3 years due to his duel diagnosis of ASD and ADHD,. Education was a great struggle. 

In the end, he was placed at a setting called NHESC where he could get the support he needed. Romeo has an EHCP, so his education was adjusted to meet Romeo’s needs . 

This is where Romeo met Wayne. Wayne taught Romeo many things . Romeo is really into Boxing as it helps with his frustration and hyper activity. It’s like a release for him so he concentrates on that as this really helps him. Romeo has to work in a way where he is structured and supported throughout and trains most evenings. Romeo needs guidance and to be around the right people . Wayne worked with Romeo. Wayne is really looked up to in this industry and has got a lot experience in this .

Romeo experienced success as a result of the work Wayne did with him . Wayne has an all round knowledge of topics and subjects . Romeo told me that Wayne used to be in the Army and therefore taught him Bushcraft and survival skills . Wayne taught Romeo how to make things out of wood. 

Also, another subject Romeo is really into is Motorbikes . Romeo told me also that Wayne supported him in this too . Wayne is such a great asset. Romeo completed a whole year with Wayne’s guidance and has now moved on to nearly completing a year at college. Romeo got offered a place on the college course following on from studying Motor Vehicle at school, so he has come a long way . Wayne even sorted out a bit of work experience for Romeo which he really enjoyed. It gave him a boost in his confidence . Even to this day we still have great respect for Wayne.”

Robert Kearney

Bedford Youth Offending Service (2023)

“I writing to thank you for your work with ‘student A’. ‘Student A’ has benefitted greatly with your support over recent months. In my capacity at his YOS case manager I have seen him become more positive and confident about his future, this is in large part due to the environment and support you have provided him with.

‘Student A’ has took on considerable challenge, most notably in the standards of attendance you expect and in the challenges and opportunities you have provided. To identify a strength – his aptitude and interest in motor mechanics- and then support this to the point he now has a genuine and achievable ambition to start a career in this industry, has been hugely positive.”

Michael Byrne

Parent of current student (2023)

“Since Emily has joined AS2 from her previous school she has become a more positive and outgoing person. Going from not wanting to be in education to actually wanting to go into school and learn. Her attendance has gone up ten fold since joining AS2. She seems have made the most of the more one on one tuition and this has helped her achieve targets and goals that we thought she wouldn’t. She completed her Duke of Edinburgh award and was very proud of it and enjoyed it too. AS2 has really helped Emily into turning into a lovely intelligent young lady and the future is now looking a lot more positive for her.”

Chantelle Smith

Sister of current student (2023)

“ AS2Educate is an outstanding provision that has gone above and beyond to help rehabilitate my little sister back into school life and have helped her gain a lot more confidence for her future self. I have found that every inch of the program is catered to your child's needs and they are never put in a situation were they won't succeed. If they take one step back they will get your child that one step back plus 10 more! They have inspired myself into wanting to get into this line of work because of how amazing they have been with my sister. Sad to know she's leaving them soon but grateful for all she has achieved with AS2Educate. A big shout out to all the hard working people that have made AS2 what it is and the founders of the provision. Without you these kids wouldn't have a bright and promising future ahead of them”. 

Hayley Eady

Student of 22/23

“ Dear students coming into a2educate,

My name is Hayley Eady and I have had a year at this education provision. I never really thought I could pass my exams, not even do them. Thanks to all the members at this education provision who once told me that they will never give up on me. I really have to thank Leeroy, Richard and Wayne. I really appreciate that you have tried all your effort with me, even though I am really hard to cooperate with, you have made me realise that I can do my best if I could just put my head towards it. I can’t thank this education provision enough. I really thought I wouldn’t be able to pass nor even do my exam but yet I have passed and moving on to college doing something that I really like to learn. I will come and visit all the stuff again once I am back on track. Thank you so much Leeroy you have helped me so much.”

Mica Smith

Student of 22/23

“ I like that I’ve tired everything at AS2 and have gave everything a go, such as bowling, golf, gym, badminton, foot golf, go karting, baseball, football pool, and martial arts. This has helped me be able to concentrate and be able to be around other students. 

I’ve seen that my attitude and my way of seeing things have changed in a good way. 

I feel like I can be myself around staff as they understand me. 

I would recommend AS2 because it’s different to mainstream schools and it’s more relaxed, but at the same time, they try to make you be the best version of yourself”. 

Sharief and Maryanne El-Safty

Parents of current student (2023)

“Our son Sharief has been attending AS2 Educate for 17 months and is graduating this year with many qualifications and a confidence he previously didn’t have. The support he has received from the dedicated staff has been exceptional, they provide a nurturing environment with strong values and such positive relationships between staff and students ensuring every student has the best  opportunity to achieve and grow. AS2 Educate have accommodated all of Shariefs needs and pushed him in directions that have made his self-esteem, world and smile bigger. We as a family will always be grateful that we found this wonderful supportive educational setting, Sharief has thrived due to the positive impact the passionate, kind and dedicated staff and setting has had on him.”

Nikki Smith

Former Student (2020)

“Alternative Solutions was really good. I had a good time there and had lot of friends. The staff are really understanding, fun and nice and just really down to earth. They' helped me learn and I’m really thankful.”

Deborah Laurie

Specialist Education Adviser, ARC & Residential care | The Virtual School| Childrens Services (2023)

AS2Educare Yr 11 Graduation Event

“ Dear AS2 team,  

What a wonderful experience to be part of such an amazing event today…

As I drove into the car park to attend your graduation event, I had the pleasure of witnessing behind the scenes as I watched adults and children getting out of cars and hugging each other, there were words of praise and recognition from family members to child, congratulating them on how well they had done. 

These smiling faces of the children and families should in no way be underestimated as I am very aware of the journey these children would have been on throughout education before they landed safely with you!

I noticed as I read the children’s written testimonies  (on journey boards set out in the room) how their words echoed my thoughts, and how amazing that some had even prepared their own speeches of thanks and were able to read them out on stage!

As I listened to the speeches that were very well thought out and individualised in their approach, there were points where I struggled to find a dry eye in the room, especially when hearing the words from the children themselves, declare how AS2 has changed their life. These memories I am sure will stay with all of us who joined you today.

AS2 team you talked today of the children ‘defying expectations’, when actually this is precisely what you have done… you have changed the lives for every single one of those children, and today they were all able to experience how it feels to have the adults around them, all feel, very proud of their achievements. 

I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to join you today and I'm so very thankful that you took the leap and trusted your intuition to run with your ideas, you are all (very much so) the inspiration that many children need.

Well done on another successful year and thank you.”

Shayla Pearman

Parent of current student (2023)

“The staff at AS2educate have been absolutely fantastic helping my daughter. I cannot rate them highly enough. They have gone above and beyond. Thank you so much AS2educate.”

Joanne Gardner

Parent of current student (2023)

“I would like to say that my son has thrived and achieved so much thank you to the amazing staff at AS2 Education who believe in their students and support them so well thank you for helping my son believe in himself and to achieve some excellent results.”

Matthew Gordine

Previous student (2022)

“Richard has spent time to come and visit me and give me work when I wasn’t attending school out of his own time. He has fought for me to get back in to school, even for a few hours a week. Even when I would refuse to come in to school, Richard wouldn’t give up. As much as he has helped me learn, he has also taught me valuable life skills and social skills. I wouldn’t be where I am without him. For multiple weeks in a row, he’d be knocking on my door to get me in to school.”

Janine Cooper

Foster carer of young person (2021)

“Having Leeroy as a mentor to help me within my fostering role has helped significantly by working together to help the child understand boundaries and why they’re put in place. While helping me explore what and how to help the young person gain self esteem and confidence while gaining new experiences out in the community. Leeroy has been fantastic and it really shows in the calming and dynamics of the child.”

Sarah Chilton

HCC Adolescent Practitioner - Special Adolescent Service Hertfordshire (2021)

“My experience as a professional working with AS2E has all been positive so far. They have shown themselves to be proactive and persistent in endeavouring to engage a young person with very specific needs who has now started to attend the provision. They are keeping in touch with both parents and professionals and are offering a consistent needs led approach within the provision. It is early days but at this stage I feel they offer a much needed service that is more likely to work than others in the county.”

Suzanne Otieno

Parent of current student (2023)

“I would like to say that thanks to AS2educate. My son Lucas has over come so much and has been able to sit his exams, something that none of us ever thought he would do. He has been encouraged to take part in all activities. Leeroy, Richard and Wayne have been absolutely amazing in helping him overcome obstacles in his ADHD and ASD. The encouragement has been so great that has totally changed him for the better. ”