01473 830255 Arrange a Visit
Learners in overalls working under the bonnet of a car in the Pathways mechanics workshop

Alternative and Post-16 Provision Near Ipswich

A Different Route to Success.

Hands-on construction, mechanics, bricklaying and hair and beauty courses in small groups, leading to real NOCN qualifications for young people who learn best by doing.

Arrange a Visit Or Call 01473 830255
  • Suffolk County Council Approved Alternative Education Provider
  • Groups of 8 or Fewer
  • NOCN Qualifications

Schools, Trusts and Councils We Worked With in 2025 to 2026

  • Suffolk County Council
  • Norfolk County Council
  • Eastern Outreach
  • Ormiston Academies Trust
  • East Anglian Schools Trust
  • Paradigm Trust
  • Penrose Learning Trust
  • Raedwald Trust
  • Unity Schools Partnership
  • Kingfisher Schools Trust
  • Academy Transformation Trust
  • Olive Academies
  • Active Learning Trust

Who We Help

Three Ways In

Every learner arrives from a different starting point. We meet them there, then build the skills, confidence and qualification that take them to the next step.

A tutor and learners carrying out checks under the bonnet of a car Ages 13 to 16 For Schools and Trusts Alternative provision for pupils who need a more practical route. Single places or block bookings, mornings or afternoons. See the Courses Two learners in hi-vis laying clay roof tiles on a training rig Post-16 For Young People Aged 16+ Construction and mechanics pathways, half or full days, built around the learner and what they want to do next. See the Pathways The Pathways Skills Academy sign outside the centre at Baylham Business Park Staff and Pupils First Aid Training for Schools Accredited Qualsafe courses for staff, and CPR and life-saving workshops for KS3 and KS4. We can come to you on an INSET day. Ask About Dates

Courses

Learn It With Your Hands

Real tools, real workshops and a recognised qualification at the end. Choose an age group to see what fits.

  • Two cars in the Pathways mechanics workshop, with tool racks and a parts shelf behind

    Mechanics

    NOCN Certificate in Vocational Studies, Level 1

    Tools, car parts and routine servicing on real vehicles, with optional extra units in valeting and body repair.

  • The carpentry and joinery bays, with workbenches, vices and timber racks

    Carpentry and Joinery

    NOCN Award, Entry Level 3

    Site safety, then measuring, cutting and joining timber, up to fitting skirting and architrave.

  • A practice brick wall with a diamond pattern of red bricks set into buff brick

    Bricklaying

    NOCN Certificate, Entry Level 3

    Setting out and building walls and returns that are level, plumb and finished to spec.

  • Nail art practice pieces from the hair and beauty course

    Hair and Beauty

    NOCN Certificate, Entry Level 3

    Basic styling, manicures and salon reception, with interview practice. Groups of up to 7.

  • Introduction to Construction

    NOCN Award, Entry Level 3

    A taste of several trades for learners still deciding. Schools can also book BTEC Level 2 Firsts in Construction and the Built Environment.

Sessions
9:30 to 11:30am or 12:30 to 2:30pm
Length
Usually 3 terms
Group Size
8 or fewer (7 in hair and beauty)
Price
£65 per learner per session
The bricklaying hall at Baylham, with learners’ brick piers and walls laid out across the floor

A Real Workshop. Not a Classroom.

Our bricklaying hall, garage and carpentry bays at Baylham Business Park give learners the space to make mistakes, fix them and feel proud of what they’ve built.

  • Since 2019Delivering Qualifications to Schools
  • About 100Learners Each Academic Year
  • Up to 8Learners in Each Group
The learner common room with a table tennis table, pool table and quiet seating
Monty, the office dog, grinning at the camera
“A lovely welcome from staff and Monty.”Monty, our office dog

Our Approach

Calm, Patient and Properly Supported

Many of our learners have found school hard. Here they find a relaxed base, adults who listen and a reason to come back tomorrow.

  • Trauma-Informed Teaching

    A non-judgemental, compassionate approach that builds the trust and confidence learners need to thrive.

  • SEND Specialists

    Staff who specialise in supporting Autism, ADHD and Irlen’s syndrome, with regular training for the whole team.

  • Safeguarding First

    A Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy on site, working closely with agencies on wellbeing and mental health.

  • A Plan for What’s Next

    Achievement plans keep learners on course, and independent careers guidance maps the route to college, an apprenticeship or work.

Our sister company, Eastern Region Roof Training Group, was rated Good by Ofsted as an apprenticeship provider in 2023, with Outstanding grades for behaviour and attitudes and for personal development. Our schools provision is built on that same expertise.

For Schools and Trusts

From First Call to Qualification

  1. 1

    Talk to Us

    Tell us about the young person or group. We’ll suggest the course and timetable that fit.

  2. 2

    Visit Baylham

    Learners and staff are welcome to see the workshops and meet the tutors before anything is agreed.

  3. 3

    Start Small

    A single place or a block booking, mornings or afternoons, at £65 per learner per session.

  4. 4

    Step Into Success

    We track progress across the course and support each learner to their qualification and next step.

Kind Words

In Their Own Words

It has been wonderful seeing him finally show some enthusiasm for learning and see his mental health improve… He gets excited about attending the night before.

A Parent, February 2026

Coming to PSA is hands-on and practical, it gives you more skills than school. These skills will stay with you forever and are really useful.

A Construction Learner

Dom is amazing, he is really patient and understands the kids. A great and friendly team, very well organised and accommodating, with an exceptional learning environment, which is inclusive to all.

On Dom and the Team
The car donated by Whip Street Motors arriving on a recovery truck

A Car for Our Mechanics

Whip Street Motors donated a car so our SEND learners can change wheels, fit exhausts and carry out a full service.

A tutor demonstrating bricklaying to a group of 16+ learners during Get Into Construction Week

Get Into Construction Week

With Suffolk New College, 16+ learners tried carpentry and bricklaying, sat a mock CSCS test and met Rose Builders.

Our Team

The People Your Learners Will Meet

A small, steady team, so every learner knows who to ask and every school knows who to call.

  • Clive, Chief Executive Officer and Centre Manager

    Clive

    Chief Executive Officer and Centre Manager

  • Dominic, Schools Lead, Head Vocational Tutor and Designated Safeguarding Deputy

    Dominic

    Schools Lead, Head Vocational Tutor and Designated Safeguarding Deputy

  • Kate, Apprenticeships Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead

    Kate

    Apprenticeships Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead

  • Vaz, Vocational Tutor

    Vaz

    Vocational Tutor

  • Jack, Roofing Tutor

    Jack

    Roofing Tutor

  • Gemma, Business Support

    Gemma

    Business Support

  • Erin, Finance Officer

    Erin

    Finance Officer

FAQs

Questions We’re Asked Most

Anything else? Call 01473 830255 or email info@pathwaysskillsacademy.co.uk.

Who are your courses for?

Young people aged 13 to 16 placed with us by mainstream schools, alternative provision schools, trusts and local authorities, and young people aged 16 and over on our post-16 pathways. Learners join from any starting point, including those with additional needs or who have struggled in a classroom.

How much does a place cost?

Our alternative provision courses are £65 per learner per session. Post-16 programmes are shaped around each learner, so we’ll quote once we know the plan. We take single places and block bookings.

How big are the groups, and when are sessions?

Never more than 8 learners in a group (7 in hair and beauty). Morning sessions run from 9:30 to 11:30am and afternoon sessions from 12:30 to 2:30pm. Post-16 learners can choose half or full days.

What qualification will a learner get?

NOCN awards and certificates at Entry Level 3 or Level 1, depending on the course, usually over three terms. Schools can also book BTEC Level 2 Firsts in Construction and the Built Environment.

How do you support learners with SEND?

Our staff specialise in supporting learners with conditions such as Autism, ADHD and Irlen’s syndrome, and the whole team trains regularly. Teaching is trauma-informed, groups are small, and we adapt each session to the learner.

Can we visit before booking?

Yes, please do. Learners and school staff are welcome to visit the workshops and meet the tutors. Use the form below, call 01473 830255 or email info@pathwaysskillsacademy.co.uk.

Where are you?

Unit 6, Lower Street, Baylham Business Park, Baylham, Ipswich IP6 8JP. Our what3words address is vanished.thrillers.professed.

Arrange a Visit

Come and See the Workshops

Tell us a little about who you’re looking for. We’ll arrange a visit or a taster session and answer any questions.

Approved provider on Suffolk County Council’s Alternative Education Select Register.

We only use your details to reply to this enquiry. We aim to reply within one working day.