Teenager Ashton Thrives After School Exclusion, Launches Hairdressing Business
Emma Lewis
A 16-year-old from County Durham has launched his own hairdressing business after finding success through alternative provision education. Ashton struggled in mainstream school but credits Empowher CIC with helping him pursue his dream career.
- Ashton, 16, from County Durham, started his own hairdressing business after being excluded from mainstream school.
- He credits alternative provision education at Empowher CIC with helping him overcome difficulties and pursue his passion.
- Ashton struggled with ADHD and bullying in mainstream school, which severely impacted his mental health.
- At Empowher, he gained Level 1 qualifications in hair and beauty therapy and began styling clients six months before leaving.
- Another student, Chloe, 17, also found success at Empowher after a diagnosis of autism, gaining qualifications and securing her first job.
A teenage boy from County Durham has defied the odds by launching his own hairdressing business after being excluded from mainstream school, crediting an alternative provision education with turning his life around. Ashton's journey highlights the crucial role such centres can play for young people struggling in conventional educational settings.
Ashton, 16, who has ADHD, found traditional classroom environments 'extremely difficult', leading to a year out of school and severe mental health issues. His parents reported that bullying had exacerbated his struggles, making it hard for him to leave his bed. However, they discovered Empowher CIC in Durham – an alternative provision that proved pivotal.
At Empowher, Ashton found a supportive environment where he could hone his hairdressing skills. During his time there, he achieved Level 1 qualifications in hair and beauty therapy, before taking the entrepreneurial leap six months prior to completing his programme. He now styles hair and fits extensions for clients every Saturday.
The centre's Director, Louise Forrest, is driven by a passion to guide young people back onto 'the right path' after they stray off course. She established Empowher drawing on her own experiences of being excluded from school and later diagnosed with ADHD. Another student, Chloe, 17, also credits the centre for helping her overcome challenges in secondary school.
Why this matters: This story highlights the vital role of alternative education provisions in supporting young people who struggle in mainstream schools, offering them a pathway to success and improved mental well-being. It underscores the importance of tailored educational environments for diverse learning needs.
What this means for you: What this means for you: This story demonstrates how different educational approaches can unlock potential in young people, offering hope to parents and students who find mainstream schooling challenging. It highlights the availability of alternative routes to qualifications and career success within the UK education system.