Couple's new Bulwell hairdressing academy helps students 'unreal amounts'
A new alternative provision academy in a Nottinghamshire town is helping students reach new beginnings. The New You Hair Academy, located on Church Lane, Bulwell, was opened by couple Lisa Robertson, 37, and Harvey Schofield, 38, in May, with the pair holding a burning wish to give back to their community.
The idea of an alternative provision stemmed from Lisa's Bulwell roots and background, as she has worked as a hairdresser in Bulwell for 22 years. She said: "I'm a Bulwell girl myself, I grew up in the area and I grew up in gangs.
"My mum was a massive part of the community, always trying to help in any way she could by doing after-school clubs for example. Growing up, we'd have kids coming around for dinner because they didn't have much at home and it was so inspiring watching my mum do all of that.
"As I've grown up I thought I really wanted my own hair school to train others. I wanted to grow up to leave a legacy like my mom has in Bulwell by giving back to the community."
And with Harvey's background in alternative provision, the pieces "matched together like a puzzle" and within a month from the opening, the academy had all seven spaces filled. Lisa explained: "We picked this name for the academy because I wanted everyone walking through our doors, regardless of their background, to know that they will discover a new version of themselves, a new beginning.
"We've had one student that got thrown out of about seven schools and then went from one alternative provision to another. Her attendance was 19 per cent overall, but since she's been with us, her attendance has been 100 per cent."
Besides hair and beauty courses available at levels 1 and 2, students also work towards their GCSEs in English and Maths, while also getting "enrichment opportunities" such as horse riding and residential stays at activity centres.
The academy also provides "model days", which bring the community into the provision, connecting real-world experiences to learning and teaching students the impact of their actions on their communities, while also highlighting future earning potential. Harvey said: "The response we've had from the community has been fantastic.
"Both Lisa and I have worked so hard for this so to see it come together and to be able to give back to the community, it's incredible. This project not only offers educational opportunities but also aims to uplift the community by equipping the next generation with valuable skills and qualifications."
The couple reported that the academy has made a significant impact on students' lives. Leah Inger, 15 and from Bulwell, joined the academy on June 1.
Besides hairdressing, she is studying for her GCSEs in English and Maths. She said: "Before I came here, I did not go to school at all. I didn't like school.
"But since I've come here, I've enjoyed coming to school, it makes me want to be here. It's something I want to do and something that I like. It's interesting. The support we receive is really good.
"I'm in year 11 and by the time I finish my course, I'll be leaving school and Lisa will help me get an apprenticeship because this is what I want to do when I finish school." The thoughts were echoed by Sonia Reddish, a parent of another Year 11 student at the academy.
She said: "My child has found it hard settling into other provisions but the staff at New You Hair Academy are so supportive and have helped her unreal amounts. She comes home and shows me the work she has done, she loves attending here and I couldn't be more proud.
"I want to thank everyone for all that they have done and continue to do for my daughter." Harvey added that all students at the academy have "drastically" improved their attendance since starting the provision, with an average of over 90 per cent.
The couple, following the success of the New You Bulwell branch, is now planning to expand to another Nottingham location in the new year. Harvey said: "The need for alternative provision is at a record high.
"We just need to give these people a second chance. Students all feel like they can focus in this setting and are ready to close the gap on their missed education in a setting like this. We are working very hard to make a real difference in the lives of young people."