About Us

FAR Academy specialises in looking after young people who struggle with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH). Providing post-16 education for young people with a range of mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression, for those who have and Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) or need support obtaining one. Students who have become disengaged with traditional education thrive at our specialist provision.

The methods and course delivery that the FAR Academy uses have been developed over many years of research; trialling different engagement tools, fine tuning the unique blend of educational delivery, enveloped in a holistic and nurturing environment with a bespoke approach to each individual student.

Skateboarding is the channel that engages young people on to the positive pathway of learning. Through personal achievement, skateboarding teaches resilience. The ability to better yourself is in your own hands. In a completely practical way, it shows you the harder you try the more you can achieve. The power of passion and persistence combined with resilience results in growth of self-belief and confidence. Skateboarding is not essential to participation on the course, but the diversity and culture of the sport forms the basis of our educational programmes.

The FAR Skate Shop has been running for six years now and stocks all major brands. Purchases can also be made online; we have customers all over the world who purchase from us because they embrace our ethos and want to support the next generation of skaters. The shop is also used to support the education of the students.

Testimonials

“Meeting Brent and the team at FAR has been like a breath of fresh air after mainstream and other schools. The work that you are doing with the young people is absolutely amazing, focusing on them as a person and building on their strengths and abilities and bringing that together to give them a focus in life and for their future. Thank you so much.”

“My son really enjoys attending the FAR. Previously, he has struggled to attend any form of group learning, resulting in one to one learning only. The amazing, unique and flexible environment created by everyone at the FAR, has meant he has not only felt able to attend, but is making great progress, both academically and emotionally. Thank you!!”

“Very happy with FAR Skate, they have done so much with my son and his mental health.”