At Larches Sports and Education Centre, our academic offer is delivered by highly skilled English and maths tutors who are in daily attendance, ensuring every learner receives consistent, high-quality support in these essential subjects.

 

Our tutors, Katie and Liam from Promise Education, are experienced practitioners with extensive backgrounds across both primary and secondary education. They bring not only expertise in their subjects but also a strong understanding of — and sensitivity to — the needs of S.E.N.D. learners, having supported young people with additional needs for many years.

 

1:1 Specialist Teaching

All English and maths sessions are delivered on a 1:1 basis, allowing each learner to benefit from:

 

• A calm, focused environment

• Reduced anxiety and increased confidence

• Personalised instruction tailored to their exact ability level

• Rapid progress through targeted intervention

 

This structure ensures young people feel safe, supported, and able to achieve success at their own pace.

 

Daily, High-Impact Sessions

Learners receive daily sessions lasting 30–40 minutes, offering continuous academic support that complements their vocational and physical activities.

 

These sessions are designed to be:

 

• Focused

• Accessible

• Engaging

• Individualised

 

Every lesson is built around the learner’s specific needs, academic history, and future goals.

 

Targeted Pathways & Accreditation

 

Our academic programme supports learners working towards:

 

• GCSE English & Maths preparation

• Entry Level / Functional Skills accreditation (Entry Level to Level 2)

 

We match each learner to the level that best suits their ability, ensuring that progress is challenging but achievable — leading to genuine academic success and improved outcomes back in their partner school.

Learners enrolled in our photography pathway have the opportunity to work towards AQA Unit Awards, gaining recognised accreditation through a series of structured, practical tasks. With a strong emphasis on sports photography—though not limited to it—our learners develop real, industry-relevant skills across both still and moving image photography.

 

High-Quality Teaching from an Experienced Specialist

 

The programme is led by our photography tutor, Gemma Kilshaw, who brings a wealth of expertise in creative media. Under her guidance, learners explore crucial elements of the subject, including:

 

• Lighting techniques

• Shutter speed and motion capture

• Studio photography

• Lightroom and Photoshop editing

• Composition and creative direction

 

This blend of technical skill and creative exploration gives students a fully rounded understanding of the photographic process.

 

Creative Projects & Digital Skills

 

Learners take part in a range of exciting projects that extend beyond photography alone. These include:

 

• Graphic design

• Creating flyers and posters

• Designing digital promotional materials

• Combining photography with creative software

 

These tasks not only enhance practical skills but also develop confidence, independence and digital competency—essential skills for future education and employment.

 

Real-World Impact

 

Alongside earning certificates through AQA Unit Awards, learners also have the opportunity for their work to be used in real promotional materials for Larches Sports and Education Centre. This gives them:

 

• A sense of pride and ownership

• Real-world application of their skills

• A portfolio they can showcase to schools, colleges or employers

Our barbering programme takes place inside LSEC’s purpose-built barbering salon, giving learners an authentic, professional environment in which to develop valuable practical skills.

 

Led by our fully qualified barber and hairdresser, Nitesh Maru, learners receive hands-on training that introduces them to the techniques, tools and creative processes used in the modern barbering industry.

 

Professional, Hands-On Training

 

Under Nitesh’s expert guidance, learners explore a wide range of core barbering skills, including:

 

• Hair cutting techniques

• Fades and skin fades

• Shaping and blending

• Tapering

• Clipper and scissor work

• Professional grooming standards

 

These sessions are structured, safe and supportive, allowing young people to build confidence while developing genuine vocational skills.

 

Accreditation Through AQA Unit Awards

 

All completed tasks are recorded as part of the learner’s portfolio, providing a clear record of achievement. This evidence contributes toward AQA Unit Awards, giving learners the opportunity to earn recognised accreditation for their work.

 

A Pathway to Independence & Employability

 

Through the barbering programme, learners gain:

 

• Practical, hands-on experience

• Improved fine-motor skills

• Confidence working with tools and equipment

• An understanding of customer care

• Exposure to an industry with strong future employment potential

 

For many young people, barbering becomes a motivating and empowering part of their week at LSEC.

Our Food Technology pathway gives learners a hands-on, practical introduction to cooking, nutrition and healthy eating, with a strong emphasis on how diet directly impacts sports performance and overall wellbeing.

 

Under the guidance of our Food Technology tutor, Becky Schorah, learners explore the key principles of fuelling the body for training, fitness and daily life. Sessions focus on questions such as:

 

• What should a high-protein diet include to maximise performance?

• Which carbohydrate sources provide the most sustained energy?

• How does nutrition impact stamina, strength and recovery?

 

These sessions are designed to help learners understand not just what to eat, but why smart nutritional choices matter — especially for those taking part in boxing and fitness at LSEC.

 

1:1 Practical Cooking Sessions

 

Becky delivers all learning on a 1:1 basis, allowing each learner to work at their own pace while receiving personalised support. Learners are guided through:

 

• Safe food preparation and hygiene

• Understanding ingredients and nutrition

• Cooking meals from start to finish

• Portioning, seasoning and presentation

• Using equipment safely and confidently

 

This fully hands-on approach builds independence, confidence and life skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

 

Accredited Learning Through AQA Unit Awards

 

As with our other vocational pathways, all completed tasks are recorded and contribute toward AQA Unit Awards, allowing learners to achieve recognised accreditation for their work.

 

And of course — the best part:

 

Learners get to enjoy the meals they prepare, gaining a real sense of achievement and pride in their creations.

Our Fitness and Boxing programmes at LSEC offer learners an exceptional opportunity to build physical health, discipline, confidence and resilience in a structured, supportive environment. Together, these programmes promote lifelong healthy habits while developing essential personal skills that support success both in and out of education.

 

Physical Development & Wellbeing

 

Through carefully planned fitness sessions, learners improve:

 

• Overall physical health

• Strength, stamina and coordination

• Discipline and self-management

• Teamwork and communication

 

These sessions help young people establish positive routines that contribute to healthier lifestyles and long-term wellbeing.

 

Boxing: Confidence, Focus & Mental Strength 

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The boxing element of our provision plays a powerful role in supporting personal growth. Learners develop:

 

• Self-confidence and self-belief

• Focus and attention

• Emotional regulation and resilience

• Determination and goal-setting skills

 

Boxing teaches structure, respect and perseverance — qualities that translate directly to improved engagement and behaviour in school.

 

Accreditation Through The King’s Trust

 

All activities contribute toward King’s Trust accreditation, allowing learners to gain recognised vocational achievements as they progress through the programme.

 

A Professional, Fully Equipped Training Environment

 

All of this takes place in our superb on-site gym, which includes:

 

• A full-size boxing ring

• Multiple pieces of modern fitness equipment

• Strength and conditioning apparatus

 

Learners are coached by our qualified training team, including a Level 3 Great Britain coach, ensuring sessions are delivered safely, professionally and to the highest standard.