A heartfelt letter from one of our students has captured the difference that personalised support, strong relationships and a therapeutic approach can make to a young person's educational journey.
Olly joined OA-North View in September 2025 as one of the first 10 pupils to attend the school. However, his journey to Olive Academies had not been straightforward.
By the time he was in Year 7, he had already attended two different mainstream secondary schools, finding the transition from primary school particularly challenging. Large groups, difficulties forming friendships and increasing anxiety meant that school became an overwhelming experience, leading to a heavily reduced timetable and limited engagement with education.
Olly, who has ADHD, Tourette syndrome and autism, benefited from a personalised approach tailored to his individual strengths and needs.
Before joining us, our team began working with him through a transition programme, helping him prepare for the move into a new setting. Together, they explored strategies to manage anxiety, build confidence, face fears and develop the resilience needed to navigate new challenges.
Thank you for seeing the best in me, even when I couldn’t see it myself.
When he joined the academy at the start of Year 8, the focus was on providing a calm, nurturing environment where he could feel safe, develop positive relationships and re-engage with learning at his own pace.
Today, the transformation has been remarkable.
I felt like people really believed in me...and for the first time I felt proud of myself.
Now preparing to begin Year 9, he is settled, engaged and attending school full-time, with attendance close to 100% – a significant milestone after previously being unable to access a full school day.
His progress reflects the power of early intervention, personalised support and a therapeutic approach that places relationships at the heart of learning. By understanding each young person's individual needs and working alongside them to overcome barriers, OA-North View helps students build the confidence, resilience and self-belief needed to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.
I can’t wait to come back next school year, keep learning, make more memories, and see what else I can achieve. I know there will still be challenges, but I also know I won’t face them alone because I have all of you.
His words provide a powerful reminder of the difference that trusting relationships, compassion and the right support can make in a young person's life. Read the full letter below.
A message to everyone at OA-North View
When I was younger, school felt really scary. I didn’t want to go. Sometimes I would run away because I was so worried, and I’d get angry and upset because I didn’t know how to explain how I was feeling.
Then I got offered a place at OA-North View… and that’s when everything started to change.
I was one of the very first pupils, and from the moment I started, I felt like people really believed in me. Before long I was coming to school for full days, and for the first time I felt proud of myself and everything I was achieving.
Now I’ll give anything a go. I’ve discovered I love outdoor learning, I’ve made new friends, and I’ve grown in confidence. But the best thing about my school isn’t just what I do—it’s the people who make it such a special place.
Miss Geary, thank you for always being kind and understanding, and for helping me make the right decisions.
Mrs Clarke, thank you for understanding me, sharing my love of sport, and always guiding me in the right direction.
Miss Claisse, thank you for making me smile every day, for having a laugh with me, and for always making everyone feel welcome.
Mrs Gell, thank you for your calm words and your caring heart. You might be short, but you’re a giant when it comes to helping people.
Miss McNiccols, thank you for always helping me. Your Irish accent is brilliant, and you make school feel safe and caring.
Mr Smith, thank you for making outdoor learning so much fun. You’re down to earth, you’ve got a great sense of humour… and yes, you’re definitely 5-foot 11¾!
Mr Dawson, thank you for making me laugh, understanding me, and making me feel safe. I’ll never forget the overhead kick into the top bins!
Mr Pond, thank you for being funny, sporty and always willing to help. I’m glad you chose to join us.
Miss Hamlett, thank you for listening when I need someone to talk to and for helping me feel calm.
Mr Wade, thank you for fixing everything and doing anything for anyone. Up the Hammers!
Mr Warman, thank you for always praising me, understanding me and helping whenever I need it.
Rugie, thank you for being the peacemaker. You always bring calm. And thank you for teaching me that “Jennah means heaven.”
Gareth, thank you for believing in me, sharing your amazing musical talent, and for the great games of ping pong.
Mr Bell, thank you for listening to me, supporting me, and explaining things in a way that helps me understand.
And finally, Chewie… thank you for the cuddles, the laughs, and always being ready to play ball. You make every day a little bit happier.
To everyone at OA-North View, thank you for believing in me when I found it hard to believe in myself.
You haven’t just helped me enjoy school - you’ve helped me become happier, braver and more confident. You have changed my life, and I’ll never forget everything you’ve done for me.
Thank you for seeing the best in me, even when I couldn’t see it myself. Thank you for never giving up on me and for helping me believe in myself.
I can’t wait to come back next school year, keep learning, make more memories, and see what else I can achieve. I know there will still be challenges, but I also know I won’t face them alone because I have all of you.
I’m proud to have been one of the very first pupils at OA-North View, and I can’t wait to see our school grow while I grow with it.
From
Olly