The Otherwise Club offers a unique learning and social environment where young individuals develop by following their personal interests and passions. I am really impressed by the attitude towards learning here as there is no forced agenda; the young people have the freedom to be inquisitive, independent and individual and are offered choice........which is very empowering. Nurturing through support, encouragement and an open and friendly nature is always on the timetable, making this an inspiring and refreshing organisation to be a part of. I always leave with a smile on my face!
Parent, South West London
The Otherwise Club has been a wonderful experience for my family over the last five years –the club is run democratically with everyone involved in the decision making process –the activities both academic and practical are broad and diverse -people, both children and adults, are treated with understanding and respect – whilst bad behavior is not tolerated neither is it condemned rather it is considered within the context of the child’s needs and addressed in ways that are inclusive and considerate.
My son has benefited both academically and socially from the diverse activities the club has to offer and the underlying philosophy of the club which demonstrates a commitment to education as a laboratory and progressive concept that works best when catering for a child’s needs –but never just as an individual but as part of a wider community.
The Otherwise Club is a testimony to the positive effects of home education when it is run in the interest of the home education community –and the community beyond home education-it is an oasis of inclusivity, fairness and democracy in a world where these things are often sorely missing.
I cannot thank Leslie enough for all that she has done and continues to do.
South London parent
I joined TOC in early 2000 just after I had taken my then 6 and 4 year olds out of school. I didn't know any home educators, and all I had to go on was that I had met an incredibly inspiring woman at the recent Home Education Fair - Leslie Barson. Leslie had told us about taking her family to live in Japan and we decided that we wanted our children to keep their freedom and that their love of learning was something too precious to entrust to the school system.
Fifteen years on, and I have four children who have all been to club, two since before they were born. The older two are now at University and this would have been much more difficult for them if they hadn't been to History Group and studied for some of their GCSEs with Leslie. But most importantly, they have made life long friendships.
TOC is not too structured or ordered and people often say it's noisy when they first visit. But it is the only space I ever found where my teenagers could meet other teens and spend time with them without too many rules or instructions. A place where they can find things that I couldn't show them - my eldest daughters love affair with Classics has absolutely nothing to do with me.
Parent, West London
We were members of The Otherwise Club for about twelve years and still pop in occasionally to say hello. Our family benefited from being part of this community. It's a place to make and meet friends, to play and learn together. Drama and art groups contributed to our eldest children taking these subjects far. One is graduating this year with a fine art degree, the other is a member of National Youth Theatre. Her first drama classes were at TOC. All our children enjoyed the informal play and the opportunity to try activities, join in with workshops, visits and camps.
Leslie and the friends we have made at TOC have made a huge difference to our family. From the very beginning we found helpful information and advice that meant we could be confident to trust our instincts about what is right for our children. The friendship at TOC is built on mutual trust. Families work together, making friends and helping each other. It takes time to get to know each other but the friendships make all the difference.
Parent, London Borough of Westminster
I attended the Otherwise Club from the age of six to sixteen. It provided a friendly and open place to socialise with other home educated children and to learn. Opportunities such as book and film club were invaluable. We could share books and films we loved and also expand our knowledge through discussion. Through the club I took part in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. I learnt how to orienteer, and through the sport and skill section how to canoe, ice-skate and play hockey. Being part of the club opened these opportunities up to me. I took my GCSEs as part of a group from the Otherwise Club. It was helpful to be able to go to the exams with my friends. When I went to sixth-form I felt ready and prepared to take A levels. At present I am in my final year of University.
Young Person,
London Borough of Westminster
The Otherwise Club is a company limited by guarantee
Company No:3379478 (England and Wales)
Charity No:1071831
Registered address: 1 Croxley Road, London, W9 3HH
Parent, South West London
The Otherwise Club has been a wonderful experience for my family over the last five years –the club is run democratically with everyone involved in the decision making process –the activities both academic and practical are broad and diverse -people, both children and adults, are treated with understanding and respect – whilst bad behavior is not tolerated neither is it condemned rather it is considered within the context of the child’s needs and addressed in ways that are inclusive and considerate.
My son has benefited both academically and socially from the diverse activities the club has to offer and the underlying philosophy of the club which demonstrates a commitment to education as a laboratory and progressive concept that works best when catering for a child’s needs –but never just as an individual but as part of a wider community.
The Otherwise Club is a testimony to the positive effects of home education when it is run in the interest of the home education community –and the community beyond home education-it is an oasis of inclusivity, fairness and democracy in a world where these things are often sorely missing.
I cannot thank Leslie enough for all that she has done and continues to do.
South London parent
I joined TOC in early 2000 just after I had taken my then 6 and 4 year olds out of school. I didn't know any home educators, and all I had to go on was that I had met an incredibly inspiring woman at the recent Home Education Fair - Leslie Barson. Leslie had told us about taking her family to live in Japan and we decided that we wanted our children to keep their freedom and that their love of learning was something too precious to entrust to the school system.
Fifteen years on, and I have four children who have all been to club, two since before they were born. The older two are now at University and this would have been much more difficult for them if they hadn't been to History Group and studied for some of their GCSEs with Leslie. But most importantly, they have made life long friendships.
TOC is not too structured or ordered and people often say it's noisy when they first visit. But it is the only space I ever found where my teenagers could meet other teens and spend time with them without too many rules or instructions. A place where they can find things that I couldn't show them - my eldest daughters love affair with Classics has absolutely nothing to do with me.
Parent, West London
We were members of The Otherwise Club for about twelve years and still pop in occasionally to say hello. Our family benefited from being part of this community. It's a place to make and meet friends, to play and learn together. Drama and art groups contributed to our eldest children taking these subjects far. One is graduating this year with a fine art degree, the other is a member of National Youth Theatre. Her first drama classes were at TOC. All our children enjoyed the informal play and the opportunity to try activities, join in with workshops, visits and camps.
Leslie and the friends we have made at TOC have made a huge difference to our family. From the very beginning we found helpful information and advice that meant we could be confident to trust our instincts about what is right for our children. The friendship at TOC is built on mutual trust. Families work together, making friends and helping each other. It takes time to get to know each other but the friendships make all the difference.
Parent, London Borough of Westminster
I attended the Otherwise Club from the age of six to sixteen. It provided a friendly and open place to socialise with other home educated children and to learn. Opportunities such as book and film club were invaluable. We could share books and films we loved and also expand our knowledge through discussion. Through the club I took part in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. I learnt how to orienteer, and through the sport and skill section how to canoe, ice-skate and play hockey. Being part of the club opened these opportunities up to me. I took my GCSEs as part of a group from the Otherwise Club. It was helpful to be able to go to the exams with my friends. When I went to sixth-form I felt ready and prepared to take A levels. At present I am in my final year of University.
Young Person,
London Borough of Westminster
The Otherwise Club is a company limited by guarantee
Company No:3379478 (England and Wales)
Charity No:1071831
Registered address: 1 Croxley Road, London, W9 3HH
