New programme tackles youth exclusion through creativity

Why it matters: Ipswich Community Media launched On Track last month, a creative alternative education programme for young people in years 10 and 11 who have been excluded from mainstream school or are at risk of exclusion, addressing the growing local need for flexible education options.

The big picture: Alternative provision is the process by which children and young people who cannot access mainstream school are referred into specialist education programmes through schools, local authorities or other services when a young person is at risk of exclusion, facing significant challenges or needs a more flexible and supportive environment.

The process ensures that instead of disengaging from education, young people receive personalised learning, mentoring and pathways suited to their abilities and interests, supporting them to achieve qualifications, build confidence and, where possible, reintegrate into mainstream education or progress into further training and work.

The details: Running from South Street Studios in Ipswich, the programme offers small group sessions focused on music production, podcasting and creative digital skills, with flexible part-time hours either in the morning or afternoon, one-to-one support and a strong emphasis on relationship-building.

Young people can gain AQA Awards in music production, media and teamwork, as well as Arts Award qualifications. Bronze (Level 1, equivalent to GCSE grades 1-3) develops creative skills, exploration and sharing work, while Silver (Level 2, equivalent to GCSE grades 4-9) builds independent arts projects, leadership and deeper creative development.

The programme is supported by experienced mentors and creative practitioners, with access to industry-standard facilities including an Apple media lab, podcasting suite, music studio and live venue space, offering real-world pathways into performance, production and employment.

• Who: Young people in years 10 and 11 who are excluded, at risk of exclusion or struggling in school

• When: Monday-Thursday, either 09:00-12:00 or 13:00-16:00

• Where: South Street Studios, 6 South Street, Ipswich, IP1 3NU

What they're saying: Helen Aldcroft, Youth Project Manager at Ipswich Community Media, said: "We're not trying to be school, we're creating something intentionally different. On Track is about trust, creativity and giving young people a space where they feel seen, safe and supported. It's about helping them reconnect with learning on their own terms."

"Schools do an incredible job, but some young people need an alternative environment alongside that support to re-engage and thrive. ICM is perfectly positioned to deliver this building on our existing track record of youth engagement, education and creativity."

Carnell Cook, Lead Tutor, said: "Music has the power to open doors and change lives. I've been fortunate to share stages with artists like Ed Sheeran, but the real reward for me is seeing young people discover their own voice and realise their potential. Through my work in schools, community projects and in the youth justice system, I've seen how creativity can build confidence, offer hope and create new pathways for the future. That's what On Track is all about."

For context: Ipswich Community Media is an award-winning charity, recognised for its inclusive work with young people in Ipswich through projects such as South Street Kids, Making Waves and other creative initiatives. At this year's Suffolk County Council Suffolk Adult Learners Awards, ICM won the Inclusive Adult Learning Provision Award.

The charity teaches English to over 200 refugees and migrants from a mix of over 40 different nationalities, reaches over 60 children and young people through its creative projects, and supports over 30 volunteers in its classrooms and studios every week.

The bottom line: On Track provides a crucial safety net for young people who need a different approach to learning, using creativity and music to rebuild confidence and create pathways back into education or employment in a town where hundreds of young people remain disengaged from education.