OurPlace - A new beginning for self-managed learners in the heart of Brighton
From Heartbreak to Hope: The Story of OurPlace
With just five weeks’ notice, families, learning advisers, staff, and children were left shocked and heartbroken by the sudden closure of the Self Managed Learning College in Fishersgate.
For 24 years, that beloved community was so much more than a place to learn. It was a lifeline - a safe space where young people felt understood, respected, and free to learn in ways that worked for them. It's closure left families reeling, uncertain where their children could now belong, with mainstream school not being an option.
But out of that heartbreak, something remarkable has grown. Parents, staff, and learning advisers came together with courage and determination to build something new: OurPlace Learning Community (OPLC).
What We’re Building at OurPlace
This September, we open the doors at Brighton Youth Centre (BYC), offering young people a new place to belong.
OurPlace is a non-profit, self-directed learning space where young people shape their own education. It is a nurturing community led by experienced Learning Advisers - a hub for project-based, interest-led learning, without testing or pressure.
With your support, we can carry this vision forward. By donating, sharing, and spreading the word, you are helping to sustain an essential alternative provision that gives young people not just an education, but a community - a place they can call their place.
Three Ways to Support OurPlace
Sponsor a Seat - For Businesses
Support young learners by sponsoring a seat and showcase your business as a valued community education partner through various recognition tiers.
Donate - For Everyone
Directly contribute to creating inspiring learning spaces and essential resources for our students, with donation tiers tailored to different levels of impact.
Support - Every Kind of Support Matters
Whether through a monetary gift, sharing our campaign, volunteering your time or skills, fundraising, or connecting us with supporters, every action helps us grow together.
Sponsor a Seat - For Businesses
Seed Sponsor - £150: Badge to display on your website + thank-you on Facebook and Instagram Stories
Growth Sponsor – £300: All of the above + grid post shoutout on Facebook and Instagram
Champion Sponsor – £500: All of the above + permanent logo (and picture) on OurPlace website and marketing materials
New Founding Sponsor – £1000+: All of the above + spotlight feature on our website + mention in crowdfunding video
Donate - For Everyone
Whether you’re a parent, friend, or member of the public, you can directly support learners and the space itself.
Pathfinder – £15: Provide essential resources like books, art, science, and tech materials to spark curiosity
Guide – £40: Furnish dedicated spaces where learners can focus or reflect
Builder – £75: Support our Learning Advisors in their vital roles
Visionary – £150: Contribute to venue hire and additional inspiring spaces at BYC
Founding Anchor – £300: Help keep OurPlace affordable for all families and provide long-term stability
Support - Every Kind of Support Matters
Even if you don’t want to choose a tier, you can make a difference:
Give any amount you can, whether its £2, £5, £20 - every contribution helps and we are deeply grateful
Share our campaign with friends, family, and local networks
Volunteer your time, skills, or materials (furniture, books, tech, creative supplies)
Fundraise through a sponsored activity or event
Connect us with local businesses, grant opportunities, or other supporters