About Us
Our Values
Our four core values are:
Respect
Inclusion
Resilience
Aspiration
Some young people are referred to Active Futures Academy because they need a more flexible and individualised approach than traditional education can offer.
While academic progress is important, it is just one part of our wider vision.
At Active Futures Academy, we place strong emphasis on improving attendance, increasing engagement, strengthening emotional wellbeing and supporting positive behaviour, believing that when these foundations are secure, meaningful academic success naturally follows.
It’s our mission:
To re-engage
young people in education by embedding daily physical activity and sport into the heart of the curriculum.
To heal
through movement, using exercise as a pathway for emotional regulation, mental health recovery, and resilience building.
To educate
by delivering core academic subjects through active, kinesthetic learning methods proven to increase attainment and self-confidence.
To empower
students with vocational qualifications in sport, leadership, and outdoor education, creating meaningful future pathways into employment, further study, or apprenticeships.
Meet the Team
What truly sets Active Futures Academy apart is our team.
Between us, our leadership brings close to 40 years of teaching, leadership and pastoral experience, much of it working with young people facing SEMH needs and complex barriers to learning.
Our staff are chosen not only for their professional expertise, but for their ability to build trust, form positive relationships and make a genuine difference in young people’s lives.
Pete Marsden
Co-Founder and Director
Pete has worked in education for nearly 20 years, driven by a belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to build a positive future.
Pete’s journey began as a PE technician before qualifying as a PE teacher, and over the years he has held a range of roles including eight years as a pastoral leader and gaining a senior leadership qualification.
Alongside his work in secondary education, Pete has also taught in further education with 16–18 year olds and in adult education, supporting adults back into employment through teaching assistant qualifications and employability skills.
Throughout his career, Pete’s passion for education has always gone hand in hand with his commitment to health, sport and physical activity.
“My motivation to create Active Futures Academy came from my time as a pastoral leader, working closely with young people facing significant barriers to learning, engagement and attendance.
Too often, I found myself thinking, “We don’t have the systems or resources to truly support this child.” I believe the current UK school curriculum does not meet the needs of a significant number of learners, particularly those who struggle to thrive in mainstream education.”
Active Futures Academy was created to change that, to provide meaningful, supportive and alternative pathways for young people who need something different.
The aim is simple: to help young people re engage with education, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to move forward into a positive and active future.
John Wright
Co-Founder and Director
With over 20 years’ experience in secondary education, John has dedicated his career to supporting young people to thrive, particularly those facing barriers to accessing mainstream education.
Throughout John’s career, he has held a range of leadership roles, including leading pastoral care, acting as a safeguarding lead, and developing targeted strategies to support children who are looked after.
John has also led initiatives in pupil premium, attendance, and PSHE, always with a focus on improving outcomes and wellbeing for all students.
As a qualified PE teacher, he has a strong passion for sport, movement, health, and wellbeing.
John believes in the importance of promoting the connection between physical activity and positive physical, mental, and social health, and he strives to embed this philosophy into his work with young people.
John has extensive experience working in close partnership with families and external agencies to ensure students receive the support they need to succeed in their education and beyond.
He is particularly driven to support the most vulnerable and believes that building strong relationships based on respect and trust is key to helping young people achieve their full potential.
Instilling self belief and confidence in young people is central to John’s approach, enabling them to overcome challenges and develop the resilience they need to succeed.
Having been born and raised in the local area, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to give back and support young people in their personal and educational journeys.
As part of Active Futures Academy, John is proud to continue working towards this goal.
At Active Futures Academy, our mission is to remove barriers, rebuild confidence and create opportunities through education that is practical, inclusive and purposeful.
If you are a parent, school or professional seeking a supportive alternative for a young person, we are here to work alongside you to help every learner realise their potential and move towards a positive, active future.