The Bridge Training and Development is a
land-based alternative education provider
at Hanley Swan, near Malvern. It is an
independent school and was set up by Neil
Hornby and his wife Sue in 2007. Both are
members of St Andrew’s Church in Malvern
and were keen to reach children struggling
in the mainstream educational system.
Neil said: “We provide a safe space for children who otherwise have a chaotic life. We
can help them gain qualifications, but an essential part of what we do is improving social
skills and emotional development and helping to give the young people confidence.”
The school started offering practical horticultural courses to those that had left school
but struggled to go to college or get a job and also offered vocational courses to those
children who found academic study hard. It soon became apparent that there was a
real need to offer an alternative curriculum for some students.
“We started with just five students and within three years were up to 40!” Continued
Neil. “We moved to the site in Malvern seven years ago. Volunteers from St Andrew’s
and the students themselves worked through the summer to ensure it was ready.”
The Bridge now has a unit with four acres of land. There is teaching in construction,
catering, mechanics, animal care and horticulture, but students can also learn maths
and English. The centre is completely different from school – the atmosphere is very
relaxed and all those who want to can sit together around the table to eat the lunch
prepared by the students. Everyone who comes has a chance to experience all of the
different areas and then an individual timetable is put together around their interests.
Neil and his staff also work with the children before they come and after they leave.
Pray for all involved in the Bridge, particularly for the young people who attend.
Evesham Deanery: Rural Dean: Richard Thorniley; Lay Chair: Liz Booth
Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh (Ireland): Bishop Samuel Ferran
Diocese of Aarhus (Denmark): Bishop Henrik Wigh-Poulsen
Diocese of Rochester (USA): Bishop Prince Singh
Diocese of Rochester (Church of England): Bishop James Langstaf
