Wild Learning Centre

Reimagining education

At the Wild Learning Centre, learning is alive, guided by curiosity, fuelled by creativity, and grounded in the natural world. Here, our skilled Learning Guides support young people to design their own learning pathways, underpinned by foundation skills modules, workshops, collaborative projects, and self-directed learning.

We’re not an alternative – we’re learning reimagined. A place where autonomy is celebrated, passions are pursued, and learning flows across arts, science, engineering, maths, literacy, community, and play. It’s education, but not as you know it – bold, purposeful, nature-based, restorative – and uniquely theirs.

Beneath the surface of everyday lies careful planning and thoughtful design. But what you’ll notice first is the vibrant variety and autonomous learning: hammocks and books, skills sessions with a Learning Guide, personal projects, mentor one-to-ones, peer-led workshops, circles where learners shape community decisions, collaboration, community, and fun.  

Learner experience & pathways

We value emotional intelligence and restorative practices just as much as academic progress. Learners are supported in every aspect of their growth, with additional emotional support available from their Learning Guides and team when needed.

Working with the extraordinary team at LearnLife in Barcelona, wider progressive education networks, and our own teams strengths and experience, we have designed a unique, competency-based integrative learning experience across our 5 domains:

  • Learning to Be
  • Learning to Think
  • Learning to Learn
  • Learning to Create
  • Learning to Connect

These encompass 16 competencies, helping learners develop their learner portfolios across emotional literacy, civic and social responsibilities, science, technology, engineering, creative arts, maths, literacy, and sustainability. Our learning pathways loosely align with mainstream key stages 1 to 4.

Our pedagogy is transdisciplinary, rooted in nature, and enables learners to lead, discover, and follow their passions, fostering a deeper understanding of the world and preparing them to embrace life’s opportunities.

We welcome home-educated and flexi-schooled young people who are looking for a part-time, nature-based, learner-led environment to complement their other learning. We also support learners with Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) or Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) pathways, where we are able to meet their needs.

The Wild Learning Centre currently offers two days of learning each week, with plans to expand to 4.5 days by September 2027. At present, we welcome learners aged 6–12, and we are committed to growing alongside them, offering education up to age 16 by 2028.

To ensure smooth transitions, our oldest intake will be 14 years old. This gives learners time to de-school, immerse themselves in our community, and develop the skills and mindset they need to pursue their chosen qualification pathway, whether that’s portfolio-based Crossfields Institute Integrative Education qualifications, or vocational training, alongside maths and English IGCSEs or functional skills qualifications.

Accessibility & funding

Social equity is at the heart of our community, and we believe no family should face barriers to helping their child to thrive. We are actively working to secure funding for bursary places beyond 2025/26 for young people who will thrive at the Learning Centre but are unable to self-fund, and to reduce our [fees] for all our young people.

As an Alternative Provision framework supplier to Surrey County Council we also accept long-term referrals for young people with EHCP or EOTAS funding where we can meet their needs. 

 Please contact us

If you’re interested in learning more, we’d love to hear from you! info@huckleberries.org.uk

 

“The sensitivity, attention and care given towards the children is wonderful to see. A magical, healing place"

– Parent

"There are not enough words to express how highly we value and appreciate Huckleberries. I would say the work is transformative. Every week she is excited and looks forward to going, the separation anxiety she experiences throughout the week is non existent on her Huckleberries days”

– Parent

"Since attending Huckleberries, he has developed a real "can do" attitude. He has grown in confidence and enjoys sharing his experiences with his family. He has become a lot more emotionally stable and better able to manage his feelings. He is also improving at school, with his teacher telling me that his focus is much better, and he is more willing to try the tasks set rather than avoid the work”

– Parent

“Thank you so very much for giving him a place at wonderful Huckleberries. We were in such a dark place and you provided so much light. You have been so supportive and this has been so refreshing. I really appreciate all you have done for him and me. I truly believe you were instrumental in getting my child back. You all do such as wonderful job"

– Parent

“We would like to say a BIG thankyou for all your hard work, patience and kindness you have shown him throughout the past few months. The work you do at Huckleberries is amazing, we will be forever grateful for this amazing adventure with you"

– Parent