Our story

Why we exist

GM Alternative Provision Ltd was founded in February 2019 by Mandy Conway and Gillian Currie with a clear belief: young people who are struggling in mainstream education deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

GM was created to provide a genuine alternative — one built around relationships, structure, practical learning and real-world opportunities. Every programme is shaped around the individual young person, their needs, their strengths and the pathway they want to work towards.

In practice

What this means for the young people we support

A personalised programme

That personalisation sits at the heart of how GM works. Whether a young person needs support to rebuild confidence, re-engage with learning, develop life skills or progress towards further education, training or employment, the aim is to create a package that gives them the best possible chance to move forward.

Working together

We work closely with young people, families, schools and other professionals to build a programme that is realistic, supportive and focused on progress.

Built on real experience

Our approach combines professional knowledge, practical experience and lived experience, helping us to build trust, understanding and meaningful relationships with the young people we support.

How we work

Alongside schools, not instead of them

We see ourselves as an extension of a young person's support network rather than a separate system. That means regular communication with referring schools, honest reporting on progress and attendance, and a shared plan for what comes next.

Schools & Commissioners information

Our values

Positivity, Passion and Performance

Positivity

We look for strengths first. Every young person we work with is treated with respect, warmth and belief in what they can achieve.

Passion

We care about getting this right — for the young person in front of us, and for the schools and families trusting us to help.

Performance

We hold high expectations. Structure, consistency and real progress matter, alongside compassion and patience.

Want to know more?

We're happy to talk through how we work and whether we might be a good fit for a young person you support.