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.
Nicola Green
Director
With 30 years of experience as a Primary School teacher, including 12 years as a Primary Headteacher, Nicola has dedicated her career to helping children and young people reach their full potential. Throughout her career, she has also served as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, giving her extensive experience in supporting vulnerable children and ensuring their wellbeing remains at the heart of every decision.
More recently, Nicola has worked with children and families where education has broken down, supporting those who are being educated at home and helping them rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, and take positive steps forward. She has extensive experience supporting children with ADHD, Autism, and Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
Nicola enjoys working in close partnership with families and external agencies to ensure young people receive the support they need to succeed in their education. She is driven to support the most vulnerable children and young people, believing that strong, trusting relationships are the foundation for positive change. Instilling self-belief and confidence is central to her approach, enabling children to recognise their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve their potential.
Passionate about breaking down the barriers that prevent children and young people from accessing education, Nicola believes that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
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.