about us
be yourself is an expert alternative education provision in central Norwich working in collaboration with schools to help young people (yp) thrive now and in the future.
The world is changing fast, leaving some young people uncertain about where and how they fit in. Many question whether they possess the skills or attributes to not just cope but to thrive. At be yourself, we approach this challenge by asking young people: What if being truly you is the gift, the change, and the possibility the world requires?
Our aim is to enhance young people's attributes and talents, focusing on developing their entrepreneurial skills alongside academic learning.
We work with young people from all learning providers, including schools, home-schooled individuals, and post-16 students. Our expertise lies in applying young people's academic learning to real-world situations. We achieve this in our be yourself provision, where we support and nurture their academic needs while blending them with our core principles of holistic health education, business, and essential life skills.
Our child-led, personalised learning service is designed to reduce anxiety, regulate behavior, and build resilience, equipping young people with the tools they need to reintegrate into classrooms and other educational environments.
At be yourself, we actively listen to the diverse needs and aspirations of young people before opening their minds to the opportunities available to them now and in the future.
Our dedicated team of experienced and qualified teachers, child therapists, and entrepreneurs supports and nurtures young people, helping them improve their health, develop business skills, and acquire essential life skills to increase their life opportunities.
Overall, our goal is to build resilience in young people, expand their horizons, and nurture their ability to be themselves and thrive.
We offer two peaceful therapy rooms, a well-resourced and calm dedicated learning space, a fully operational kitchen, outdoor garden spaces, and a deep passion for supporting young people.
be yourself is proud to be listed in Norfolk County Council's Directory of unregulated Alternative Provision.
core principles
health
business
business
Yoga practice, reiki, aromatherapy, and a multitude of mindfulness techniques are essential for calming the mind, regulating emotions, improving confidence, and building emotional intelligence and resilience. Therapy practices, which include holistic health education, are the expertise of Gemma and Holly and are fundamental to life at Be Yourself. Their experience, qualifications, and empathy offer infinite benefits for our young people (yp) while fostering entrepreneurial skills. Health is at the core of our provision, ensuring a balance of mental, emotional, and physical practices tailored to the needs and interests of the yp. Our health provision includes nutritional meal planning, enabling young people to maintain a healthy balanced diet, and physical fitness programs designed around each young person's needs, whether it be cardio, strength training, or simply building the confidence to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
business
business
business
Direct contact with real-life entrepreneurs, creatives, and money makers is crucial for developing entrepreneurial skills.
We collaborate with an eclectic list of entrepreneurs and professionals who meet with our young people (yp) to inspire them and open their eyes to life beyond education.
These include lawyers, plumbers, designers, bankers, doctors, musicians, and filmmakers. These collaborations lead to invaluable work experience and internship opportunities that enhance holistic health education.
From December 2025 to April 2026, our yp have been inspired by Oak St Circus, Sophie @ ElsieB Norwich, Highball Climbing, Norfolk Paddle Boards, and MAAAR.
We guide them on how to construct a business plan tailored for them and put it into practice.
Furthermore, we integrate with local social enterprises, encouraging yp to start their own ventures.
Our program includes practicing essential maths for business and teaching how to raise business finance effectively.
We also offer CV writing that is personalized to each individual, along with guidance on the recruitment process, including the practice of interview skills.
life
business
life
Identifying and improving your transferable skills for the modern workplace is essential, particularly when it comes to developing entrepreneurial skills.
Household budgeting and life skills are critical components of holistic health education, empowering you to take ownership of these essential life skills.
Understanding interest rates, how mortgages work, and navigating the UK tax system is vital for financial literacy in today's world.
Embracing AI opens up future work opportunities that align with personalised learning approaches.
Bushcraft skills, animal husbandry, sowing seeds, and growing your own produce in our dedicated outside spaces contribute to a well-rounded skill set.
Preparing all types of food and cooking in our in-house kitchen showcases our commitment to hands-on learning. In April 2026, we learned to make vegan sushi, banoffee pie, and cheeseburgers.
Social skills such as public presentation, maintaining eye contact, holding conversations, and speaking on the phone are all critical transferable skills for the workplace of the future.
We also teach how to organise international travel, studying, and volunteering opportunities overseas, enhancing personal growth.
be yourself
Our approach
Our expertise
Our approach
Being yourself is a crucial aspect of a young person's overall education offering. We highlight young people's existing talents to build confidence while also identifying gaps in their personalised learning. Our approach promotes holistic health education in a calm and nurturing environment, allowing young people the peace and time they n
Being yourself is a crucial aspect of a young person's overall education offering. We highlight young people's existing talents to build confidence while also identifying gaps in their personalised learning. Our approach promotes holistic health education in a calm and nurturing environment, allowing young people the peace and time they need to assimilate and grow. For all students, we actively seek to enhance their study skills using metacognition strategies, focusing on the pace and direction of learning led by the young person. Additionally, we emphasize the development of entrepreneurial skills alongside SPAG, Functional Skills, and Maths. Norwich offers a wealth of learning opportunities that we fully utilize at Be Yourself School, particularly for our post-16 pathway, where our strong relationships with employers create valuable work experience and internship opportunities. We consistently track progress and maintain regular communication with schools and stakeholders involved in the young person's learning. We also engage with parents and carers regarding pupils' progress and collaborate with other professionals, including learning mentors, careers advisers, educational psychologists, and education welfare officers.
Our learners
Our expertise
Our approach
Be yourself is designed for students with EHCPs, children experiencing EBSA/school refusal, those at risk of exclusion or in transition, pupils with SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and trauma backgrounds. We focus on children needing low-sensory, high-nurture environments, as well as school leavers requiring mentoring, guidance, and practical solutions.
Be yourself is designed for students with EHCPs, children experiencing EBSA/school refusal, those at risk of exclusion or in transition, pupils with SEMH, ASD, ADHD, and trauma backgrounds. We focus on children needing low-sensory, high-nurture environments, as well as school leavers requiring mentoring, guidance, and practical solutions. Our program also supports Looked After Children, Young Carers, and students for whom English is a Foreign Language, alongside post-16 pathway students. We work closely with the young people and their lead learning provider to facilitate transition and reintegration into school life. Our approach incorporates holistic health education and fosters entrepreneurial skills, equipping young individuals with the resilience and tools to navigate life's challenges both inside and outside of school. We guide our post-16 pathway young people through their array of options by collaborating closely with FE providers, apprenticeships, and employers to ensure personalised learning experiences.
Our expertise
Our expertise
Our expertise
Be Yourself School team has over 40 years of teaching experience across KS3 to KS5. As qualified professional teachers, we excel in writing schemes of work, planning lessons, and undertaking assessments while maintaining records of pupils' progress. We also prepare pupils for qualifications and external exams. George brings 20 years of ex
Be Yourself School team has over 40 years of teaching experience across KS3 to KS5. As qualified professional teachers, we excel in writing schemes of work, planning lessons, and undertaking assessments while maintaining records of pupils' progress. We also prepare pupils for qualifications and external exams. George brings 20 years of expertise in working with post-16 students across Norwich at Earlham HS (City Academy), CNS, and Notre Dame HS. Throughout our teaching experience, we have taken on pastoral duties, supporting pupils individually through academic challenges or personal difficulties, fostering their entrepreneurial skills. We have organized and participated in extra-curricular activities, including lunchtime clubs, social activities, overseas travel, and sporting events, all aimed at enhancing holistic health education. Our experience includes regular observations and participation in in-service training (INSET) as part of our continuing professional development (CPD). Additionally, we have years of experience teaching ASDAN and Functional Skills and are currently awaiting accreditation to offer ASDAN, ensuring our approach includes personalised learning.
our team
Gemma (DSL)
Gemma (DSL)
Gemma (DSL)
QTS 2007 primary with an MSc in Inclusive and Special Education. I am a qualified Yoga Therapist for children with additional needs, focusing on holistic health education. With 20 years of experience in education across mainstream, alternative, and SEND provisions in Barcelona, East London, and Norfolk, I have developed strong entrepreneu
QTS 2007 primary with an MSc in Inclusive and Special Education. I am a qualified Yoga Therapist for children with additional needs, focusing on holistic health education. With 20 years of experience in education across mainstream, alternative, and SEND provisions in Barcelona, East London, and Norfolk, I have developed strong entrepreneurial skills. I am a co-founder and part-time PE Teacher at Norwich School, where I also instigate and operate the Yoga in Schools project, featured on the BBC. I am passionate about personalised learning, the outdoors, the arts, and travelling.
George
Gemma (DSL)
Gemma (DSL)
QTS 2007 secondary, with specialisms in GCSE & A level economics, business, maths, and PE, along with ASDAN, Functional skills, and TEFL, has equipped me with strong entrepreneurial skills. As a Duke of Edinburgh leader and assessor, I focus on holistic health education through active participation. I am a qualified football, cricket, and
QTS 2007 secondary, with specialisms in GCSE & A level economics, business, maths, and PE, along with ASDAN, Functional skills, and TEFL, has equipped me with strong entrepreneurial skills. As a Duke of Edinburgh leader and assessor, I focus on holistic health education through active participation. I am a qualified football, cricket, and tennis coach and have successfully planned and operated over 500 live events. In 2012, I founded The Wood Kitchen wood-fired pizza van, which reflects my commitment to personalised learning in entrepreneurship. I hold a Level 2 food hygiene certification and have traveled to over 40 countries, establishing strong connections with a variety of businesses and entrepreneurs.