What Makes Us Different?
At Yew Tree Futures, every student benefits from a highly personalised programme that integrates specialist education, therapeutic support, and preparation for adult life.
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Our students receive weekly one-to-one therapy delivered by a Clinical Psychologist-led therapeutic team, alongside access to evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), where appropriate. Qualified mental health professionals provide crisis support when needed, while therapeutic skills groups help students develop resilience, emotional regulation, and confidence.
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Education is tailored to each young person’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) outcomes, strengths, interests, and future aspirations. Teaching takes place in small classes of no more than six students, supported by high staffing ratios of at least one adult for every three students, ensuring that every learner receives the attention and support they need to thrive.
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We place a strong emphasis on preparation for adulthood, with programmes that develop independence, life skills, and employability. Students benefit from vocational learning opportunities linked to real-world employment pathways, alongside ongoing transition planning to support successful progression into further education, training, employment, or independent living.
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At Yew Tree Futures, we do not see education and therapy as separate services. By bringing them together within a single, integrated approach, we create the conditions for meaningful progress, lasting change, and brighter futures.
Our Three Curriculum Strands
All students at Yew Tree Futures access accredited learning pathways tailored to their individual abilities, interests, and aspirations.
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Qualifications may include Functional Skills English and Mathematics, NCFE Personal and Social Development, NCFE Employability, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Emergency First Aid at Work, and Food Hygiene certifications.
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Learning is highly personalised and delivered through individual, paired, and small-group teaching. English and mathematics are typically taught on a one-to-one or one-to-two basis, enabling students to build confidence, maximise engagement, and make meaningful progress.
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Opportunities include Animal Care, Equine Care, Land-Based Studies, Horticulture, Farm-Based Enterprise Activities, Community Projects, and Work Experience Placements.
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Where appropriate, students can progress to higher-level vocational qualifications, including BTEC and City & Guilds programmes in animal management, equine studies, and related sectors, supporting successful transitions into further education, training, or employment.
Education & Qualifications
Preparation for adulthood is embedded throughout every aspect of the curriculum at Yew Tree Futures, helping students develop the confidence and skills needed for greater independence.
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Students build practical life skills including independent living, cooking and nutrition, personal organisation, budgeting and money management, travel training, accessing community facilities, maintaining health and wellbeing, developing positive relationships, and taking responsibility for their own self-care.
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Students develop practical skills, confidence, and employability through meaningful vocational learning experiences linked to real-world career pathways.
These experiences help students build transferable skills, explore their interests, and gain valuable insight into the world of work.
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Progress is measured through our Preparation for Adulthood and Independence Framework, ensuring that every student develops meaningful, transferable skills that support success in everyday life and beyond.
Preparation for Adulthood
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Mental health is the foundation upon which all learning takes place at Yew Tree Futures.
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Every student receives personalised therapeutic support, including weekly one-to-one therapy, psychological formulation and support planning, emotional regulation development, and opportunities to build self-understanding, self-advocacy, communication, and relationship skills. Therapeutic group work is also available where appropriate.
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Our therapeutic approach extends beyond individual sessions. All staff receive specialist training and ongoing clinical supervision, ensuring that therapeutic principles are embedded throughout the college day and underpin every aspect of the student experience.
Preparation for Adulthood
Independent Living Skills
Topics may include:
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Cooking and nutrition
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Budgeting and money management
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Shopping
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Household skills
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Personal organisation
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Time management
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Managing appointments
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Health and self-care
Relationships & Communication
Supporting young people to:
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Build friendships
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Communicate effectively
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Develop self-advocacy skills
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Understand professional relationships
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Stay safe online
Health & Wellbeing
Developing lifelong wellbeing skills through:
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Physical activity
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Mental health awareness
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Healthy lifestyles
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Emotional regulation
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Self-care strategies
Community Participation
Developing confidence within the wider community through:
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Travel training and using public transport
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Accessing leisure facilities
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Visiting local businesses
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Community projects
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Volunteering opportunities
Future Planning
Helping students prepare for:
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Employment
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Further education
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Apprenticeships
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Supported internships
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Supported living
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Independent living where appropriate
Employability
Supporting young people to:
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Explore career interests
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Build workplace skills
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Communicate professionally
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Develop confidence and resilience
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Understand workplace expectations
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Prepare for employment and training
Therapeutic Education
Integrated Therapeutic Support
At Yew Tree Futures, mental health is at the heart of everything we do. We provide a specialist, therapeutic learning environment for young people whose needs have not been fully met in mainstream education, helping them develop confidence, independence, and the skills they need for the future.
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Our whole college is built around a trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approach. Every member of staff receives specialist mental health training and works closely with our experienced clinical psychologist to ensure students feel safe, understood, and supported throughout their journey with us.
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All students have access to weekly one-to-one therapy for as long as they attend the college, with no waiting lists or limits on sessions. We offer evidence-based therapies, including CBT and EMDR, tailored to each young person's needs and often delivered within our calming, nature-based environment.
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Alongside individual therapy, students can access group sessions and wellbeing activities that help build confidence, resilience, healthy relationships, and positive coping strategies. Our psychologist also provides crisis support when needed and works closely with families, health professionals, and other services to ensure every young person receives the right support.
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Safeguarding is a key priority at Yew Tree Futures. Our trained safeguarding team works closely with our therapeutic staff to ensure concerns are identified early and responded to quickly, always keeping the young person's wellbeing at the centre of decision-making.
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We are committed to continually improving our support and measuring the difference we make. Through our partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University, we use research and outcome data to ensure our approach remains effective and evidence-based.
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At Yew Tree Futures, we believe mental health is not simply something to be treated—it is something that can be strengthened. By combining education, therapeutic support, and personal development, we help young people build the confidence, skills, and belief they need to thrive.
Led by Dr. Abie Alfrey, Clinical Psychologist
Whole College Approach
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Staff training
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Reflective practice
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Trauma-informed practice
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Neuro-affirming approach
Outcomes & Destinations
Every student's programme is designed with their future destination in mind.
Success looks different for every young person, but our aim is always to ensure students leave Yew Tree Futures with a clear and achievable next step.
- EHCP outcomes
- Qualifications
- Independence development
- Emotional wellbeing
- Employability skills
- Employment
- Supported employment
- Apprenticeships
- Supported internships
- Further education
- Volunteering
- Supported living
- Greater independence
Possible Destinations
- Avoid becoming NEET
- Improve mental health outcomes
- Reduce risk of future placement breakdown
- Participate confidently in their communities
- Live as independently as possible
Measuring Progress
Long-Term Outcomes
College Life
Welcome
Yew Tree Futures offers a calm, rural setting designed specifically for young people whose needs aren’t met in traditional classrooms. Here, learning happens naturally through the environment, providing a sense of peace and space that feels entirely different from school.
Our Learning Environment
Young people learn across a range of inspiring spaces, including:
- Outdoor learning spaces
- Animal Enclosures
- Vocational facilities
- Indoor learning areas
- Community spaces
A Typical Week
A typical week may include:
- Four days on site: Therapy, Qualifications, Vocational learning, and Independence skills.
- One day in the community: Work experience, Community access, Leisure activities and Travel training.
Yew Tree Futures may be suitable for young people who:
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Have an EHCP
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Are aged 16–25
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Experience significant SEMH needs
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Have autism and associated anxiety
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Have experienced placement breakdowns
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Struggle in large college environments
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Need therapeutic support alongside education
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Require support preparing for adulthood
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Are at risk of becoming NEET
Is Yew Tree Futures Right for Me?
Yew Tree Futures may not be suitable for young people who:
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Require secure provision
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Require intensive medical care
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Are seeking a large mainstream college experience
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Require specialist nursing provision
Register Your Interest
We are currently developing Yew Tree College as part of the wider Yew Tree Futures provision and welcome early enquiries from families, schools, local authorities, and professionals.
 "We do not ask young people to fit into our curriculum. We design the curriculum around the young person."