Setting Up SML Hub Liverpool

What began as two home-educating mums trying to plug a gap for their adolescent children, evolved into something deeply transformative. 
Setting up SML Hub felt like a journey in the dark especially in a location where nothing like it exists. Yet it has taken us far beyond anything we could have imagined. 

At first, we approached the idea with practical thinking. We’d both set up home-ed sessions before and felt confident in ourselves. We expected some hard work, of course, but also naïvely assumed that once it was built, we could step back. The path had other plans, and we discovered early on that, to truly embark on this journey, it would require our full commitment. 

What we thought would be a simple, hands-off solution to a shared problem quickly became the heartbeat of something truly special, for the children, for the adults and for the needs of a much wider community. 

Born from the needs of our own young people, the project resonated with the personal values of others. It placed us at the centre of a growing, supportive collective, a community that was rich, thriving, and ready to build something better for their children. We came to realise how many families had been waiting for something like this and we were lucky with the support and patience they gave us. 

It has been one of the most difficult and rewarding journeys of our lives and we wouldn’t change a thing. There were many challenges, but the value in meeting them was clear. The work felt purposeful and deeply meaningful, and seeing the impact it’s already had has only confirmed that. 

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have Ian as our mentor. He has offered his time, wisdom, and encouragement with great generosity, guiding us through the Self Managed Learning model, while allowing us the freedom to shape SML Hub Liverpool in a way works for our community. Ian has been a light at the end of every tunnel, celebrating with us, grounding us, and consistently offering calm reassurance. 

Have we got everything right? Not quite. Are we figuring it out as we go? Absolutely. But we’ve come to embody the very principles we hope to offer: vulnerability, compassion, courage, and a willingness to risk failure, but never without trying. 

The heart of our setting is the vibrant, supportive community we’ve built together with our Learning Mentors and young people. This isn’t a top-down environment; it’s a living, evolving space shaped by the people in it. From the beginning, the adults have worked alongside students to create a culture of trust, respect, and shared purpose. Together, we’ve designed opportunities that go beyond any prescribed curriculum. It’s a community where everyone contributes, where voices are heard, and where learning is not something delivered, but something created, together. 

The feedback from our 12-week pilot has been incredibly positive. Most of our young people have chosen to continue onto the next stage. We’ve watched this diverse group arrive with openness, bravery, and curiosity, and grow in ways that have moved us deeply. 

The adults have grown too, learning as much from the young people as they have from us. We’ve learned to hold space rather than direct it, to listen more deeply, and to embrace the slow, deliberate work of trust-building that is central to this model. 

A particularly powerful moment came when our learners helped to recruit a new mentor. Their engagement in the process, asking thoughtful questions, offering respectful insight, and showing real investment, demonstrated the strength of what is being built. It wasn’t simply about finding the right adult. It was about building their community. And that’s exactly what they’re doing. 
We’ve discovered that Self Managed Learning isn’t just a model, it’s a practice that transforms everyone it touches. And we’re proud to be continuing this journey, together. 

Jill and Mia – SML Hub Liverpool

“It’s amazing. It’s like a little community.”

“SML is like a family, we're all here helping and supporting each other.”

 

“The SML Hub has been transformational for our 12 year old who prefers to have full autonomy over his learning but also enjoys learning alongside peers. The holistic approach to the SML model has given him a deeper connection with himself and a strong sense of community and belonging with his peers. We feel very fortunate to have found a setting that meets his unique needs as there is nothing else around quite like SML.”

“I've watched my 12-year-old transform before my eyes. He's grown in confidence, discovered his strengths and abilities, and genuinely loves going to SML. He truly values the sense of community, feels connected, and loves that his voice matters and can make a difference.”

“SML Hub came to us at a time when we were conscious that our 13 year old required something more befitting of his age and stage of life as he entered adolescence as a home educated young person."

“SML Hub created a unique learning experience, encompassing the foundation and strength of a democratic community whilst ensuring constant and consistent support for individual development and autonomy. This approach supported our son in feeling confident, seen, heard and respected and in turn, encouraged him to do the same for others.
This has led to him blossoming into a valued young person who can work well with others and seek out new opportunities for himself whilst supporting others in theirs.
Where once he may have seen barriers & obstacles, he now sees solutions & opportunities. Most significantly, he has learned to work as part of a democratic team to effect change.
SML Hub has been a positive, productive and joyful process for our son, we are hugely grateful for all of the efforts and endeavours of Jill, Mia & the team and incredibly proud of all the young people who were part of the pilot.”