Finding hope in the Hope Valley

At the end of August, I had the opportunity to attend the Freedom to Learn Forum held in the beautiful Peak District.

The Freedom to Learn Forum is an intergenerational gathering focused on self-directed education and community building.

Whilst I was only there for a few short hours, I was struck by the feeling of hopefulness that I got from everyone I spoke to.

These were all people who have been living and breathing in the worlds of home education and different versions of self directed education for much longer than I have. They have recognised that something about the mainstream school system was not for them and they have decided to vote with their feet and find alternative solutions for their young people.

This is a decision that takes courage. 

I discovered from my conversations that after taking the difficult and courageous decision to turn their backs on mainstream schooling, these families have found joy and meaning and purpose in their new paths.

I’ve recently turned my back on 13 years of teaching in a secondary school. It was a decision that took courage. It’s still not clear to me what my path will look like.

I’m more hopeful than ever that my path is the right one.

A path through the Hope Valley