notschool.net

Notschool.net is one of Ultralab's most successful and long-running research and development projects. Over five years it has developed a mature service through an online environment to meet the needs of young people 'who for whom school did not fit'. Notschool.net has shown how these young people have successfully renewed their confidence in learning, and the vast majority have gained certificates to recognise their learning progress.

They include the phobic, ill, disaffected, sick, pregnant and the excluded. Notschool.net is specifically aimed at those for whom traditional alternatives such as home tutoring have not worked.

During its first phase from September 1998, Notschool.net established a virtual community of 100 young people who were given the opportunity to develop their self-esteem and be reintroduced to learning. This was achieved through the support of mentors, buddies, experts and the use of new technology.

The success of Notschool.net exceeded all expectations and is now, from August 2005, in it's third phase as a mature project. Notschool.net is ready to become mainstream and has left the Ultralab stable. Working with Local Education Authorities throughout the UK, the project will become a service, and expand on its success to offer a similar experience for more of the 50,000 estimated young people who could benefit.