
Chiefs Engage 16
What is the Chiefs Engage Alternative Provision?
Exeter Chiefs Engage Provision uses the values of rugby to INSPIRE, SUPPORT and EDUCATE young people 11-16 years old who are disengaged from mainstream education and in need of additional support, to regain control of their academic pathway.
We understand the school environment isn’t suited to everyone. Many young people experience mental health issues, attainment challenges, behavioural problems and traumas, which can affect their education.
During a maximum of 15 hours per week, young people visit our Exeter hub located at Exeter Saracens RFC to take part in a wide range of social and emotional development opportunities, creating an environment that is specific to addressing their needs and challenges.


What do we Offer?
Participants in programme regularly report an increase in resilience, self-confidence and aspiration as a result of their involvement, and over 70% go on to achieve a positive progression into further education, training or employment.
- Essential enrichment and physical activities that supports the development of the whole individual through not only improving their mental but physical wellbeing
- A relaxed environment to also improve their functional maths and English, develop valuable life/soft skills and gain important qualifications
- Work experience, employer-led sessions, guest speakers and bolt on qualifications.
- Exposition to all students to the wider world and giving opportunities to practice soft skills.


The Benefits
Many of the young adults we support have mental health issues, academic struggles, behavioural problems, or traumas that have affected their education and resulted in
an EHCP with SEN needs or at young adult that an EHCP has been granted for SEM need on an individual basis. Each student fills works through progression passports and our staff work closely with all the professional agencies that surround the learner and their other supportive network, allowing us to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
TARGETED SUPPORT
Personalized progression passports and close collaboration with professional agencies to help students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. We work with parents via Section 19 or Virtual Wallet.
ENGAGEMENT THROUGH ACTIVITIES
To allow young people to heal, grow, have fun and create memorable experiences, helping them to see the positives in everyday life. Trips surfing, raft building, Cornwall's Adrenaline Quarry, bowling, careers fairs, Winners Gym and many other phenomenal opportunities to evolve the above.
QUALIFICATIONS
BTEC Level 1 Sport
BTEC Level 1 Employability
Functional Skills (up to Level 2)
Leadership, First Aid, CSCS cards, Health & Hygine Certificates
POSITIVE IMPACT
Engaging all learners of both study programmes in a range of physical activities, we can see enhancements in their confidence, self-esteem, and communication skills, providing them with essential tools to break down barriers and face life's challenges.
HOLISTIC WELLBEING
Mindfulness and creative sessions promote overall wellbeing to enhance mental and emotional health, teach new skills and coping strategies. Young people also can work with referral agencies for counselling and other support networks.
HIGH STAFF-TO-PUPIL RATIO
To ensure that each young person's individual needs are met. This approach creates a safe and supportive environment, allowing the participants to reach their highest levels of personal achievement and take pride in themselves by having trusting adult relationship and mentorships lasting for a key part of their teenage lives.
Our Programme
Starting
September 2025
AGES
16 to 25 (EHCP Required)
RECRUITMENT
All Year Around, roll on, roll off
ACTIVITIES
Team building, Paddle Boarding, Paint Balling, Exploring, Cooking, Archery and Much More
WORK EXPERIENCE
Offering Interview Skills, CV Writing and Work Experience Placements
EXIT ROUTES
Level 2/3 programmes, apprenticeship programmes and full time or part time work


Our Engage Team

Lewis Griffiths
Community Education Manager

Angelique Aldworth
Chiefs Engage Co-ordinator
“We believe this programme will help us to truly engage young people in our local area” Lewis Griffiths, educational lead of the programme for Chiefs said.






Interested in joining our Chiefs Engage Alternative Provision programme?
