Testimonials

My time at CTP 

Where do I start hey? My time at CTP has got to be one of the best opportunities I have ever been given. Starting fresh and having people around me who understand me as a person and makes me feel welcome and cared about.  School has never been an easy option for me and I have struggled dramatically. But ever since I have been attending CTP I haven’t once struggled or felt challenged by the staff like I do at school. They listen to me and try their hardest to see us get far and all they want is us to achieve what we want, help us picture our future . It’s like a second home to me and I know that if I ever needed to speak to someone they’ll be the first to sit down and listen to me. 

The courses I chose was hair and beauty to begin with . Starting there and not knowing anyone was hard but within the first 2-3 weeks they were like my second family, Sherridon was very welcoming and taught me a lot within the first hour of being there. Bricklaying was another one for me, I preferred that one because it was more creative and it fitted well in what I wanted to do later on in my future. Not once have I felt challenged or left out or pushed to the side I’ve always felt welcome, appreciated and accepted for who I am. The staff here work really hard to make sure we get a good qualification and a good grade within the course we choose That’s because they genuinely care. It’s not like any old ordinary academy or school however you would like to call it. Your voice is heard, you’re looked after.

I haven’t been at CTP myself for very long, I started in late September and unfortunately today is my last day as I’m moving on and hopefully from what I’ve learnt from CTP comes with me. I don’t feel like I’ve ever felt appreciated in a community until I came here. I know I’ve probably said it over and over but that’s because its true not only has it changed the way I look at my future but it’s changed me as a person ( in a good way. 

Because I’m still quite young and only 14, in year 9, I’ve just been doing mainly practical and learning the basic skills of each course (carpentry, bricklaying, mechanics, painting and decorating, hair and beauty) but if I had choose one in particular it would be bricklaying. Looking back on from when I first started and to now I have improved a lot. It’s so boosted my confidence. 

Half way during my year at CTP I was given the chance to do a second day (Monday and Friday ) which I done two different courses on. I was also able to get the train by myself to CTP. I have had my ups and downs like everyone does,  but I’ve never felt alone. 

Dan and Laura have worked really hard to get me where I am today and I couldn’t thank them enough my experience at CTP. It has been once in a lifetime and I’ve learnt a lot. How to deal with my emotions and actually if I put my mind to it I’m more than capable of achieving anything I want. I’m gonna take every last moment I’ve had with me and use it for my future and where I want to go. 

If you feel like you need somewhere to go where you want to feel understood, safe, cared about, appreciated.  I really do recommend coming to CTP if it wasn’t for them I’d still be in the dark and not taking any focus on how very little things can change my future and what impacts could have on it. Unfortunately my time here has come to an end, but I really do hope u read this and just think that even if you feel alone or in the dark there are always places like CTP that will get you to where you need to be. Again, thank you for your support and effort to get me to where I need to be, it’s a shame to have to leave when I have made so many memories and a nice group of friends . At CTP everyone is welcome, it doesn’t matter if you’re big or little, different in your own ways. Here you will be one big family and you will get treated like an individual, you will feel accepted for who you are . 

Kind regards 

ZG

Student (July 2023)

Dear Laura & Dan,

I would like to thank you all for the excellent work you have done with our students throughout my time here at MECA.

We know managing their behaviours isn’t an easy task at times yet you accomplish this in many ways.

In my opinion, you play an important role in regards to their transition from school to the workplace. An experience essential to them becoming  upstanding citizens, who should deliver a positive  contribution within their community moving forward.

Again from all at MECA ,thank you and your Team!!

Mid Essex Cooperative Academy (July 2023)

Thank you for this term, the change in Alf has been lovely to see, we almost have our boy back. He talks non stop about what he has done when he gets home, we haven’t seen that in a long time.

Parent (July 2023)