Dr Neil Hudson MP met with Kate Lindsay and Rhian Lennon, the drivers behind the Mighty Oak Initiative Cumbria’s newest Alternative Education Provision which will support children facing challenges within mainstream education.
During this meeting, Dr Hudson expressed his support and admiration for the initiative, emphasising the transformational potential of education and the importance of making sure every child is able to harness this potential regardless of their background or obstacles they face.
The Mighty Oak Initiative will employ a small number of highly-qualified teaching professionals to support 11-18-year-olds with special educational needs – dedicating themselves to nurturing individual talents and addressing the diverse needs of students in the region.
From equestrian-facilitated education to forest schools, the education programme will take a holistic approach to learning and engage students in unique and meaningful ways.
Students will also have the opportunity to study Maths and English to GCSE, and all learners will pursue a robust and bespoke pastoral pathway to include resilience, life-skills and preparation for adulthood including support and guidance towards Further Education, Apprenticeships, Supported Internships or Employment. Mighty Oak Initiative will also offer a unique English study skills programme for learners with autism who are preparing to take their GCSE, devised by Kate and Rhian informed by years of working with students who struggle with the demands of this specific curriculum. They will also offer a BTEC in Vocational Studies and aim to become an accredited exam centre for young people overwhelmed by the prospect of taking their GCSE’s in a large, mainstream setting.
To date the project has garnered support from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, Westmorland and Furness Council and local NHS groups.
The initiative would first have sites in Penrith and Kendal, and the team are currently in the process of securing transport for students, with the help of a local coach business. Representing a large rural constituency, Dr Hudson is committed to making sure Cumbria’s geography is not a barrier to educational attainment – furthering his record unlocking local funding and buses for students to reach schools and colleges.
Dr Hudson pledged his ongoing support for the Mighty Oak Initiative’s endeavours and is currently supporting the team identify and apply for appropriate funding and put them in contact with supportive local stakeholders.
Kate Lindsay and Rhian Lennon, founders of the Mighty Oak Initiative, said:
"Mighty Oak is a brand new Initiative, years in the making. Our shared passion is to support the young people of Cumbria to meet their brilliant potential in a bespoke and relaxed environment that meets their needs. We also consult with and train the professionals who work with young people, with an overarching ambition to redefine the landscape of how we understand approaches to education.
"The vision and ethos of our new Education Provision is that every young person who comes to us will succeed and achieve through our holistic and creative approach to teaching and learning. The momentum behind our initiative which launched in 2024 is already phenomenal, and we are profoundly grateful to Dr Neil and his team who spent time with us and have offered their ongoing support. We couldn’t do what we’re doing without their championship and advocacy and look forward to the amazing things we will achieve together for the young people in Cumbria."
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“It was a delight to meet with Kate and Rhian and discuss how the Mighty Oak Initiative might best serve and support my younger constituents who may be facing challenges along their education pathway.
“I’m incredibly heartened to see such dedication to ensuring every child has access to meaningful education, empowering them to thrive regardless of their individual circumstances.”
