about us
be yourself is an expert alternative provision in central Norwich, collaborating with schools to empower young people (yp) to thrive now and in the future.
As the world evolves rapidly, many young people grapple with uncertainties about their place in it. They often question whether they have the skills or attributes necessary to not just cope, but to truly thrive. At be yourself, we tackle this challenge by encouraging young people to consider: What if being your authentic self is the gift, the change, and the potential the world needs?
Our mission is to enhance young people's attributes and talents, with a strong emphasis on developing their entrepreneurial skills alongside their academic education.
We engage with young people from various learning providers, including schools, home-schooled individuals, and post-16 students. Our expertise is grounded in connecting young people's academic learning to real-world scenarios. In our alternative provision, we support and nurture their educational needs while integrating our core principles of holistic health education, business acumen, and essential life skills.
Our child-led, personalised learning service aims to reduce anxiety, regulate behavior, and build resilience, equipping young people with the necessary tools to reintegrate into classrooms and other educational environments.
At be yourself, we actively listen to the diverse needs and aspirations of young people, helping them to explore the opportunities available to them both now and in the future.
Our dedicated team of experienced and qualified teachers, child therapists, and entrepreneurs supports young people in enhancing their health, developing entrepreneurial skills, and acquiring essential life skills to broaden their life opportunities.
In summary, our goal is to foster resilience in young people, expand their horizons, and nurture their ability to be themselves and thrive.
We provide two serene therapy rooms, a well-resourced and calming dedicated learning space, a fully operational kitchen, outdoor garden areas, and a profound commitment to supporting young people.
be yourself is proud to be included in Norfolk County Council's Directory of unregulated Alternative Provision.
core principles
health
business
business
Yoga practice and a multitude of mindfulness techniques are essential components of our Alternative Provision, helping to calm the mind, regulate emotions, improve confidence, and build emotional intelligence and resilience. At Be Yourself, Gemma specialies in therapy practices and holistic health education, which are fundamental aspects of our personalised learning approach. Her experience, qualifications, and empathy provide infinite benefits for our young people (yp) while fostering entrepreneurial skills. Health is at the core of our education provision, ensuring a balanced approach that integrates mental, emotional, and physical practices tailored to the unique needs and interests of each yp. Our health initiatives include nutritional meal planning to encourage a healthy balanced diet and physical fitness programs designed to meet each young person's needs, whether focusing on cardio, strength training, or simply building the confidence to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
business
business
business
Direct contact with real-life entrepreneurs, creatives, and money makers is crucial for developing entrepreneurial skills within our Alternative Provision framework. We collaborate with an eclectic list of entrepreneurs and professionals who meet with our young people (yp) to inspire them and broaden their perspectives on life beyond traditional education. This diverse group includes lawyers, plumbers, designers, bankers, doctors, musicians, and filmmakers. Such collaborations yield invaluable work experience and internship opportunities that significantly enhance holistic health education. From December 2025 to April 2026, our yp have drawn inspiration from organizations like Oak St Circus, Sophie @ ElsieB Norwich, Highball Climbing, Norfolk Paddle Boards, and MAAAR fitness. We guide them on how to construct a personalized business plan and put it into practice. Moreover, we actively engage with local social enterprises, motivating yp to embark on their own ventures. Our program encompasses practicing essential maths for business and teaching them how to effectively raise business finance. Additionally, we provide personalized learning experiences through tailored CV writing and guidance on the recruitment process, including practicing interview skills.
life
business
life
Identifying and improving your transferable skills for the modern workplace is essential, particularly in the context of developing entrepreneurial skills within Alternative Provision education. Household budgeting and life skills are critical components of holistic health education, empowering you to take ownership of these essential life skills. Understanding interest rates, how mortgages work, and navigating the UK tax system is vital for financial literacy in today's world. Embracing AI opens up future work opportunities that align with personalised learning approaches. Bushcraft skills, animal husbandry, sowing seeds, and growing your own produce in our dedicated outside spaces contribute to a well-rounded skill set. Preparing various types of food and cooking in our in-house kitchen showcases our commitment to hands-on learning—recently, in April 2026, we learned to make vegan sushi, banoffee pie, and cheeseburgers. Social skills such as public presentation, maintaining eye contact, holding conversations, and speaking on the phone are all critical transferable skills for the workplace of the future. Finally, we also teach how to organise international travel, studying, and volunteering opportunities overseas, further enhancing personal growth.
be yourself
Our approach
Our expertise
Our approach
Being yourself is a crucial aspect of a young person's overall education, particularly within Alternative Provision. At Be Yourself School, we highlight young people's existing talents to build confidence while identifying gaps in their personalised learning. Our approach promotes holistic health education in a calm and nurturing environm
Being yourself is a crucial aspect of a young person's overall education, particularly within Alternative Provision. At Be Yourself School, we highlight young people's existing talents to build confidence while identifying gaps in their personalised learning. Our approach promotes holistic health education in a calm and nurturing environment, providing young people with the peace and time they need to assimilate and grow. We actively seek to enhance study skills using metacognition strategies, focusing on the pace and direction of learning led by the young person. Additionally, we emphasize the development of entrepreneurial skills alongside SPAG, Functional Skills, and Maths. Norwich offers a wealth of learning opportunities that we fully utilize, especially for our post-16 pathway, where our strong relationships with employers create valuable work experience and internship opportunities. We consistently track progress and maintain regular communication with schools and other stakeholders involved in the young person's education. We also engage with parents and carers regarding pupils' progress and collaborate with professionals, including learning mentors, careers advisers, educational psychologists, and education welfare officers.
Our learners
Our expertise
Our approach
Be Yourself is an Alternative Provision designed for students with EHCPs, children experiencing EBSA/school refusal, those at risk of exclusion or in transition, as well as pupils with SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and trauma backgrounds. We focus on children needing low-sensory, high-nurture environments, and also support school leavers requiring men
Be Yourself is an Alternative Provision designed for students with EHCPs, children experiencing EBSA/school refusal, those at risk of exclusion or in transition, as well as pupils with SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and trauma backgrounds. We focus on children needing low-sensory, high-nurture environments, and also support school leavers requiring mentoring, guidance, and practical solutions. Our program aids Looked After Children, Young Carers, and students for whom English is a Foreign Language, alongside those pursuing post-16 pathways. By collaborating closely with young people and their lead learning providers, we facilitate transition and reintegration into school life. Our approach integrates holistic health education and fosters entrepreneurial skills, equipping young individuals with the resilience and tools to navigate life's challenges both inside and outside of school. We guide our post-16 pathway young people through various options by partnering with FE providers, apprenticeships, and employers, ensuring a personalised learning experience.
Our expertise
Our expertise
Our expertise
The Be Yourself School team boasts over 40 years of teaching experience in education across KS2 to KS5. Our qualified professional teachers are dedicated to writing effective schemes of work, planning engaging lessons, and conducting assessments while diligently maintaining records of pupils' progress. We also prepare pupils for qualifica
The Be Yourself School team boasts over 40 years of teaching experience in education across KS2 to KS5. Our qualified professional teachers are dedicated to writing effective schemes of work, planning engaging lessons, and conducting assessments while diligently maintaining records of pupils' progress. We also prepare pupils for qualifications and external exams, while fostering their entrepreneurial skills. George contributes 20 years of expertise in working with post-16 students throughout Norwich, including at Earlham HS (City Academy), CNS, and Notre Dame HS. Throughout our teaching journey, we have embraced pastoral duties, supporting pupils individually through academic challenges or personal difficulties, thereby enhancing their entrepreneurial skills. We have organized and engaged in extra-curricular activities such as lunchtime clubs, social events, overseas travel, and sporting events, all aimed at promoting holistic health education. Our extensive experience also encompasses regular observations and participation in in-service training (INSET) as part of our commitment to continuing professional development (CPD). Furthermore, we have years of experience teaching ASDAN and Functional Skills and are currently awaiting accreditation to offer ASDAN, ensuring our approach includes personalized learning.
our team
Gemma (DSL)
George (DSL)
George (DSL)
I hold a QTS 2007 primary qualification and have completed an MSc in Inclusive and Special Education. As a qualified Yoga Therapist for children with additional needs, I emphasize holistic health education in my approach. With two decades of experience in education, spanning mainstream, alternative provision, and SEND settings in Barcelon
I hold a QTS 2007 primary qualification and have completed an MSc in Inclusive and Special Education. As a qualified Yoga Therapist for children with additional needs, I emphasize holistic health education in my approach. With two decades of experience in education, spanning mainstream, alternative provision, and SEND settings in Barcelona, East London, and Norfolk, I have honed my entrepreneurial skills. I Co-founded and ran a therapeutic service called The Snug Norwich and work as a part-time PE Teacher at Norwich School. I also led the Yoga in Schools project, which has been featured on the BBC. My passion lies in personalised learning, outdoor education, the arts, and traveling.
George (DSL)
George (DSL)
George (DSL)
My QTS 2007 secondary qualification, with specialisms in GCSE & A level economics, business, maths, and PE, along with ASDAN, Functional Skills, and TEFL, has equipped me with strong entrepreneurial skills essential in today's education landscape. As a Duke of Edinburgh leader and assessor, I emphasize holistic health education through ac
My QTS 2007 secondary qualification, with specialisms in GCSE & A level economics, business, maths, and PE, along with ASDAN, Functional Skills, and TEFL, has equipped me with strong entrepreneurial skills essential in today's education landscape. As a Duke of Edinburgh leader and assessor, I emphasize holistic health education through active participation. Additionally, I am a qualified football, cricket, and tennis coach, having successfully planned and operated over 500 live events. In 2012, I founded The Wood Kitchen wood-fired pizza van, highlighting my commitment to personalised learning and entrepreneurship. Also, I hold a Level 2 food hygiene certification and have traveled to over 40 countries, where I've established strong connections with various businesses and entrepreneurs within Alternative Provision.