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Our Story

Fresh Start in Education was founded in 2011 by Antony, a former Managing Director of a therapeutic fostering agency. Inspired by his experience as a foster carer, Antony saw firsthand the educational challenges faced by many children and young people. Determined to make a difference, he established Fresh Start in Education with a clear mission: to inspire hope for a future by providing tailored educational support to students who struggle in mainstream settings.

Our Guiding Principles

At Fresh Start in Education, our approach is shaped by three core principles that drive everything we do: Fearless Collaboration, Strategy – Reflect – Adapt, and Empower People. These values ensure that we provide the best possible support for students, families, and educators, helping every young person reach their full potential.  

Fearless Collaboration 

We believe that the best outcomes happen when we work together. That’s why we build strong partnerships with students, parents, schools, and local authorities, creating a team-focused approach to education. We are committed to open, honest, and solution-driven communication, ensuring that every student receives the tailored support they need. No challenge is too big when we collaborate with courage and determination. 

Strategy – Reflect – Adapt 

Education is not one-size-fits-all, and neither is our approach. We use carefully planned strategies to support each student’s individual needs, regularly reflecting on progress and adapting our methods to achieve the best results. Our flexible, student-centred approach allows us to respond effectively to challenges, ensuring that learning remains engaging, relevant, and impactful. 

Empower People 

We don’t just teach—we empower. By building confidence, resilience, and independence, we help students take charge of their learning and future. Empowerment extends to parents, carers, and professionals, providing them with the tools to support young people effectively. We also invest in our staff, offering training, professional development, and a supportive environment to ensure they make a lasting impact. Together, we create positive, lasting change in education and beyond. 

At Fresh Start in Education, these guiding principles shape everything we do, ensuring that every student receives the support, encouragement, and opportunities they need to succeed. 

A path to purpose

We believe that there are opportunities for every young person to engage, learn, achieve and realise their full potential regardless, of what has gone on before.
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Our Journey

Fresh Start in Education began with a simple yet powerful mission: to support young people who struggle in mainstream education. What started in 2011 as a small initiative to help children in care has grown into a nationwide service, working with local authorities, schools, and families across England. Through one-to-one education, mentoring, and online support, we’ve helped thousands of students rebuild their confidence, re-engage with learning, and find a path forward. As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same, to inspire hope for a future and transform lives through education. 

2000

Family Matters Fostering

Antony and Eleanor Meade start Family Matters Fostering – an independent fostering agency with carers in Kent, London and Cornwall.

2009

Family Matters Sold

Family Matters Fostering was sold and Antony’s sole focus became FSFK. A number of staff moved over from FMF in Operations and Finance.

2011

Fresh Start for Kids

A need within the fostering agency was identified to support those in care who were out of education, particularly in Cornwall. Fresh Start for Kids (FSFK) was founded by Antony.

2012

London Borough of Ealing

The first non Family Matters children were referred to FSFK from Ealing. The first Education Specialists travelled daily from Folkestone to Ealing!

2014

Nottingham

Just before Christmas 2014 we were approached by a PRU in Nottingham. They wanted to refer 20 students, effectively doubling our student numbers!

Fresh Start in Education

As our client base increase and with a greater focus on the education side of provisions, the company name was changed to Fresh Start in Education.

2015

Nationwide

Over the following years FSIE received referrals from various parts of England. From Devon in the South West, to Cambridgeshire om the East, to Gateshead in the North!

2016

New Offices!

As the company continued to grow, we needed to find bigger offices. Fresh Start moved it’s head office into larger offices in the centre of Folkestone.

2019

Fresh Start Direct

In 2019 we launched Fresh Start Direct to offer online tutoring in response to frequent requests from parents for this type of service.

2020

Lockdowns

Due to the online platform set up from Fresh Start Direct, we were equipped to continue supporting students through the Covid-19 lockdowns. We moved 90% of students online during this time.

2024

Now!

To date we have worked with over XXXX young people and employed over XXX Education Specialists, and we will continue to grow and see lives changed by inspiring HOPE for a FUTURE.

We are driven by I.M.P.A.C.T

Innovation

We believe innovation is essential to providing the best support to young people and their families. We are committed to continually improving our processes, reflecting on our work, and being open to feedback. We foster a culture of open-mindedness where new ideas are promoted and adopted, enabling us to widen our scope and reach.

Making a difference

We are committed to making a difference for everyone, including clients, students, parents, Education Specialists, and each other. We recognise that every person plays a vital role and that we go the extra mile for the young people we serve. We are flexible, adaptable and we work as a team.

Person centered

Individuals are empowered to take an active role in their growth and development, tailoring our support to their specific needs, and treating them with respect, compassion, and dignity. We are committed to active listening, seeking feedback, and advocating on their behalf.

Appreciation

Appreciation is a powerful tool that can build stronger relationships, create a more positive work environment, and improve customer and student satisfaction. It helps us create a place where people feel valued and respected, and where everyone is motivated to do their best work.

Collaboration

Collaboration is the heart of teamwork, where diverse skills and ideas converge to achieve shared goals. It is the foundation of our success, promoting innovation and unity in pursuit of extraordinary results.

Trust

We believe trust is essential to our success. We cultivate an environment where everyone feels safe to be vulnerable, take risks, and learn from mistakes. We build and maintain trust by being clear, reliable, honest, open, and respectful. We delegate, give honest feedback, and celebrate successes.

Latest blogs

Children’s Mental Health Week: ‘This is My Place”

Children’s Mental Health Week is a vital opportunity to reflect on how we support children and young people’s emotional wellbeing, particularly those who find education challenging. This year’s theme, “This is My Place,” highlights the importance of belonging, emotional understanding and supportive relationships in helping children thrive both emotionally and academically.

WHEN EDUCATION EXCLUDES, IT MUST CHANGE

Each year, International Day of Education invites us to reflect on how education works — and who it works for. This year’s theme, “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” highlights an essential truth: young people must be involved in shaping the education systems that affect their lives.

Christmas: Why It’s Not Always the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

For many, Christmas is painted as a joyful season: bright lights, family gatherings, gifts, celebration and time to rest. But for a significant number of the young people and families we support, the festive period can feel anything but “merry and bright”.
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