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).

Line drawing of a sprouting plant with two large leaves at the top and two smaller leaves on the side, emerging from the ground.

What We’re Building at OurPlace

This September, he have opened 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.

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Three Ways to Support OurPlace

For Businesses

SPONSOR A SEAT ➢

Support young learners by sponsoring a seat and showcase your business as a valued community education partner through various recognition tiers.

For Everyone

DONATE ➢

Directly contribute to creating inspiring learning spaces and essential resources for our students, with donation tiers tailored to different levels of impact.

Every Kind of Support Matters

SUPPORT ➢

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.

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Every Kind of Support Matters

➢ SUPPORT

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

Get Involved – Share Your Ideas

We’re deeply grateful to Diversified for being the first New Founding Sponsor in our Sponsor a Seat campaign. Your generosity helps us continue providing a warm, inclusive space where every learner feels valued and supported.