New Leaf Centre, a Penrith-based alternative provision supporting neurodivergent young people, has been named the winner of the Educational Champion Award at the Diverse Cumbria Awards 2026.
The award was presented at the ceremony at Carlisle Racecourse on Saturday 26 September, where New Leaf Centre was recognised alongside individuals, organisations and businesses making a difference across Cumbria.
Established in 2024, New Leaf provides alternative education for neurodivergent young people who can struggle to access or thrive within traditional educational settings.
The centre combines academic learning with therapeutic support, personal development and practical experiences. Learners study English and maths alongside digital and media studies, music, cooking, animal care, creative activities and outdoor learning.
At the heart of New Leaf's approach is understanding each young person as an individual, recognising their strengths and reducing the barriers that can prevent them from engaging with education. Strong relationships, safety and a sense of belonging are central to the centre's work.
Vicky Hunter, Operations Director at New Leaf Centre, said: “To win the Educational Champion Award is incredibly special, particularly because it recognises the work of the whole New Leaf team.
“We want our young people to feel safe, understood and valued, and to develop a genuine sense of belonging. Most importantly, we want them to be recognised for what they can do, rather than defined by the things they may find difficult.
“When you create the right environment and build strong relationships, you can start to see young people's strengths emerge. This award is a huge recognition of the commitment, compassion and creativity our team bring to New Leaf every single day.”
New Leaf's curriculum combines academic learning with practical experiences designed to develop independence, real-life skills and confidence. Learners take part in cooking, animal care and outdoor activities, as well as digital, media and creative programmes.
The centre's therapeutic curriculum includes animal-assisted activities, with learners involved in caring for pygmy goats, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs.
Since joining New Leaf Centre in January 2026, Centre Manager Ben Durkan has played an important role in continuing to develop the centre's curriculum offer, working alongside the team to broaden the opportunities available to learners and strengthen the provision. His leadership has supported the team to build on the foundations established at New Leaf and continue developing a curriculum that reflects the individual strengths, interests and needs of its young people.
The award comes at an exciting time for New Leaf, which has also recently become a registered NCFE examination centre, allowing learners to sit their examinations on site.
The registration is part of the centre's continued development and will create further opportunities for learners working towards recognised qualifications.
Vicky said: “Becoming a registered NCFE examination centre is a really important step for us.
“For many of our learners, being able to sit an examination somewhere they know and feel comfortable can make a huge difference. We want them to have the opportunity to demonstrate what they know and achieve their qualifications without unnecessary barriers getting in the way.
“Winning the Educational Champion Award has given us a real moment to reflect on how far we've come. Becoming an NCFE examination centre is another important step in developing the opportunities we can offer our learners, and we're really excited about what comes next.”
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