No skool - Our Mission...
No Skool is a community-driven youth club based in Plymouth for young people aged 11–16 who struggle to attend school due to anxiety, autism, or emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). We’re here for those who feel left out, misunderstood, or stuck waiting for the support they need.
We offer a safe, welcoming space during school hours where neurodiverse and socially anxious 11-16 year olds can relax, socialise, be creative, and just be themselves—without pressure, judgement, or uniforms.
Our sessions are low-cost and informal. We’re not teachers, and this isn’t school. We’re here to build confidence, friendship, and community while young people navigate their own path—whether they’re waiting for an EHCP, out of school, or trying to find their voice.
No Skool is also a place where parents and carers can connect with others in similar situations. Whether you’re battling bureaucracy, chasing assessments, or just need someone who gets it, you’re not alone. We aim to create a support network where families can share resources, advice, and solidarity.
No Skool is a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means we exist to support young people—not to make a profit. We’re run by a team that includes parents of neurodiverse and socially anxious children who understand what it’s like when education doesn’t fit and who believe that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and connected.
What We Do...
We provide activities and a safe space to socialise for children age 11- 16.
Activities include:
- Mask making
- Cosplay design
- D&D character design
- Model making and painting
- Arts and crafts
- Games and Puzzles
We also arrange days out and trips when the weather is right and there is enough interest.
As this is a daytime youth club, during school time, we require parents to stay for safety and legal reasons. We are not a funded alternative provision and help is voluntary and given by people who have an understanding of the difficulties that parents and children face when access to education is difficult.
Meet the team
Our team consists of people who believe that every child deserves the right to a healthy and social life, even if that does not fit within the confines of mainstream education. We are a mix of parents and professionals with a diverse and adaptable skillset.
Chris Gordon
Director
I am a Dad, Registered Nurse and Business Owner.
I created No skool to combat challenges that my autistic child faces when accessing education.
Unfortunately, mainstream education does not meet the needs of all children. It is also very difficult to get the right support and like many people, we have been let down by an inadequate system.
No skool was created when I realised that I had to try and change the narrative and create somewhere that children who are lost or forgotten by the system, sometimes for several years, could go and feel like they belong.
TBC
Educational lead
Bio to follow
TBC
Activity Co-Ordinator
Bio to follow