Today’s lesson was a powerful reminder of just how transformative the right learning environment can be.

I worked with a home-educated young person who hasn’t attended school since the age of six. For many years, they understandably refused to engage with anything they perceived as “education”. It wasn’t until last year, in a more flexible and supportive setting, that they began to tentatively re-engage with learning on their own terms.

They came to the lesson with a vague interest in astronomy and Earth science, inspired in part by older siblings who have pursued science subjects. Rather than following a rigid curriculum, we spent the session exploring what Earth scienceactually involves. Together, we looked at the different branches within the subject and used interactive digital activities to explore real scientific ideas.

What was particularly striking was how quickly the young person began to open up. Through discussion and hands-on tasks, they identified clear interests in geology and oceanography. Throughout the lesson, they were engaged, answering questions thoughtfully, asking their own, and staying curious from start to finish.

By the end of the session, they told me they felt happy — and, perhaps most importantly, they were already looking forward to the next lesson.

This is why creating a safe, pressure-free learning environment matters so much. When young people feel respected, listened to, and free from judgement, their natural curiosity resurfaces. Capability is rarely the issue; confidence and safety are.

For parents of teenagers who don’t attend school but are clearly bright and capable, this approach can be life-changing. Learning doesn’t have to look like school to be meaningful. With the right support, flexibility, and trust, young people can reconnect with education — and thrive.