Acorn Alternative Provision is a Christian charity, working in partnership with local churches, to deliver trauma-informed educational programmes and wrap-around support to young people aged 11-16, who are facing exclusion or disengagement from mainstream school. 

Our mission and vision

Inspired by Isaiah Chapter 61, at Acorn we are ‘rebuilding foundations and restoring hope’.  Our vision is for every young person we work with to achieve a secure identity and a positive future – academically and economically, as well as socially, emotionally, mentally, relationally and spiritually.

Our foundational Christian values of love, grace, compassion, forgiveness and hope underpin our holistic approach and are woven through everything we do. 

Acorn Centres are places where some of the most disadvantaged young people in our communities are loved, nurtured, and enabled to grow and succeed.  Our settings are small, with a curriculum that is needs-led and supports basic skills - engaging individuals at their points of need and interest, leading to improved opportunities in education and life beyond their time with us. 

In partnering with the local church, we make the most of ‘beyond the school-day’ opportunities for pastoral and practical support for our young people and their families. 

Acorn currently operates four Centres across England, each with a small local team of two or three staff along with several volunteers.  The Acorn Centres are led and supported by a small central management team and overseen by an experienced trustee board.