MENTORING
One to one support for parents and carers exploring education beyond the mainstream
MENTORING
One to one support for parents and carers exploring education beyond the mainstream
Compassionate listening | Exploring possibilities | Emotional support | Helpful signposting
Compassionate listening | Exploring possibilities Emotional support | Helpful signposting
Are you questioning conventional schooling? Do you need support in exploring the world of alternatives?
Questioning the mainstream can feel isolating, and it's often difficult to know where to begin to search for answers.
You're Not Alone
A growing number of people are looking for options outside of the mainstream education system, and one to one mentoring can help you feel heard, understood and supported, as you explore what might work best for your family.
Are you questioning conventional schooling?
Do you need support in exploring the world of alternatives?
Questioning the mainstream can feel isolating, and it's often difficult to know where to begin to search for answers.
You're Not Alone
A growing number of people are looking for options outside of the mainstream education system, and one to one mentoring can help you feel heard, understood and supported, as you explore what might work best for your family.
A World of Alternatives
There are many inspiring alternatives to conventional schooling, and new models continue to emerge - placing mental health and wellbeing, children’s rights, social justice and real-world life skills at their core.
From home education to flexischooling, Montessori, forest school, democratic education, online learning and worldschooling - there are many different ways for children to learn and thrive outside of mainstream. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to begin.
A World of Alternatives
There are many inspiring alternatives to conventional schooling, and new models continue to emerge - placing mental health and wellbeing, children’s rights, social justice and real-world life skills at their core.
From home education to flexischooling, Montessori, forest school, democratic education, online learning and worldschooling - there are many different ways for children to learn and thrive outside of mainstream. But with so many options, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to begin.
If you could benefit from a listening ear and a supportive sounding board, to help you take the next steps with confidence and clarity, read on to find out if mentoring is right for you.
If you could benefit from a listening ear and a supportive sounding board, to help you take the next steps with confidence and clarity, read on to find out if mentoring is right for you...
Meet Your Mentor
Hi, I’m Jo. I’m the founder of Progressive Education, which raises awareness of alternatives to conventional schooling and campaigns for change in education.
The last ten years, since my first son started school, have been quite a roller coaster! I sent my children to our local school without a second thought. I’d never questioned the education system before, but very quickly, it became clear that they were not thriving. After enduring the heartache for two years, we deregistered and began exploring alternatives.
I remember only too well how daunting it felt to step into the unknown - and to convince others that taking an unconventional path was a credible, rational decision.
My children and I have explored home education, flexischooling, online schooling, democratic, consent-based, self-directed education, forest school, home education co-op groups and Montessori schooling.
Having navigated this journey for almost a decade, I am now committed to helping others going through the same thing. If my story resonates and you’re looking for support from someone who’s walked a similar path, I would love to connect and help you in any way I can.
Meet Your Mentor
Hi, I’m Jo. I’m the founder of Progressive Education, which raises awareness of alternatives to conventional schooling and campaigns for change in education.
The last ten years, since my first son started school, have been quite a roller coaster! I sent my children to our local school without a second thought. I’d never questioned the education system before, but very quickly, it became clear that they were not thriving. After enduring the heartache for two years, we deregistered and began exploring alternatives.
I remember only too well how daunting it felt to step into the unknown - and to convince others that taking an unconventional path was a credible, rational decision.
My children and I have explored home education, flexischooling, online schooling, democratic, consent-based, self-directed education, forest school, home education co-op groups and Montessori schooling.
Having navigated this journey for almost a decade, I am now committed to helping others going through the same thing. If my story resonates and you’re looking for support from someone who’s walked a similar path, I would love to connect and help you in any way I can.
I stumbled across Jo’s mentorship by word of mouth and I give my sincere gratitude for the incredible support I received. She’s a great listener and the follow-up signposting was extraordinary; dare I say almost life-changing!
Thank you again for everything you do.
Leoniyah, London
I stumbled across Jo’s mentorship by word of mouth and I give my sincere gratitude for the incredible support I received. She’s a great listener and the follow-up signposting was extraordinary; dare I say almost life-changing! Thank you again for everything you do.
Leoniyah, London
Online Mentoring: Exploring Alternatives
to Conventional Schooling
Online Mentoring:
Exploring Alternatives
to Conventional Schooling
What Mentoring Can Offer:
A compassionate, non-judgemental space to share your story.
An opportunity to explore possibilities together and reflect on what feels right for your child and family.
Emotional support as you navigate uncertainty and change.
Encouragement and clarity to help you take your next steps.
Connection to a wide network within the world of ‘alternative’ or progressive education.
What Mentoring Can Offer:
A compassionate, non-judgemental space to share your story.
An opportunity to explore possibilities together and reflect on what feels right for your child and family.
Emotional support as you navigate uncertainty and change.
Encouragement and clarity to help you take your next steps.
Connection to a wide network within the world of ‘alternative’ or progressive education.
Progressive Education is a reliable and trustworthy source of information for anyone looking for alternatives to mainstream education. It can be hard for parents to find a place to start, and Progressive Education provides a hand up when you just don't know where to turn.
Dr Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist and author of 'Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of their Own Education'.
Progressive Education is a reliable and trustworthy source of information for anyone looking for alternatives to mainstream education. It can be hard for parents to find a place to start, and Progressive Education provides a hand up when you just don't know where to turn.
Dr Naomi Fisher, Clinical Psychologist and author of 'Changing Our Minds: How Children Can Take Control of their Own Education'.
FAQs
Who is this mentoring for?
These mentoring sessions are open to anyone who is questioning conventional education and wanting support in exploring alternatives to our one-size-fits-all mainstream school system.
The mentoring is being offered by UK mum, Jo Symes, so that families can make more informed decisions about education. It will particularly suit parents and carers who are looking for solidarity and guidance from someone who has walked a similar path to them.
However, if Jo's story resonates with you as an educator - or other professional who sees the impact of mainstream schooling on young people and wonders if another way is possible - please don't hesitate to get in touch.
How much does the mentoring cost?
A 45-minute Zoom session costs £40.
Can you advise me on the best educational approach?
There is no “right” answer, as all children, young people and families are unique. So rather than offering prescriptive advice, I offer a supportive space to help you explore possibilities and make informed, empowered decisions that feel right for you, based on your values and hopes for the future.
Can I schedule a time/date prior to making a payment?
The easiest way to book is to use the button below. You will then receive a confirmation email straight away. Jo will follow this up with an email (or text/WhatsApp message if you supply your phone number) to arrange a mutually convenient time and date.
Alternatively, if you would like to get a date in the diary first, please email Jo at [email protected] and you can make a payment once we've found a time that suits.
FAQs
Who is this mentoring for?
These mentoring sessions are open to anyone who is questioning conventional education and wanting support in exploring alternatives to our one-size-fits-all mainstream school system.
The mentoring is being offered by UK mum, Jo Symes, so that families can make more informed decisions about education. It will particularly suit parents and carers who are looking for solidarity and guidance from someone who has walked a similar path to them.
However, if Jo's story resonates with you as an educator - or other professional who sees the impact of mainstream schooling on young people and wonders if another way is possible - please don't hesitate to get in touch.
How much does the mentoring cost?
A 45-minute Zoom session costs £40.
Can you advise me on the best educational approach?
There is no “right” answer, as all children, young people and families are unique. So rather than offering prescriptive advice, I offer a supportive space to help you explore possibilities and make informed, empowered decisions that feel right for you, based on your values and hopes for the future.
Can I schedule a time/date prior to making a payment?
The easiest way to book is to use the button below. You will then receive a confirmation email straight away. Jo will follow this up with an email (or text/WhatsApp message if you supply your phone number) to arrange a mutually convenient time and date.
Alternatively, if you would like to get a date in the diary first, please email Jo at [email protected] and you can make a payment once we've found a time that suits.
More About Jo and Progressive Education
Jo Symes is the founder of Progressive Education, which raises awareness of alternatives to conventional schooling and campaigns for change within mainstream education.
In 2019 I created the Progressive Education Group on Facebook, now a thriving community of over 11,500 parents/carers, educators, academics, researchers, psychologists, education innovators and changemakers.
The growth of the group inspired me to create the website and organisation, Progressive Education, so that resources could be shared more widely. There’s an online course on alternatives to conventional schooling, a growing global directory of progressive schools/learning communities, jobs, events and changemaker initiatives, and a membership for start-up schools and learning communities.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply in need of someone to talk things through with, please do get in touch. I look forward to connecting with you!
More About Jo and Progressive Education
Jo Symes is the founder of Progressive Education, which raises awareness of alternatives to conventional schooling and campaigns for change within mainstream education.
In 2019 I created the Progressive Education Group on Facebook, now a thriving community of over 11,500 parents/carers, educators, academics, researchers, psychologists, education innovators and changemakers.
The growth of the group inspired me to create the website and organisation, Progressive Education, so that resources could be shared more widely. There’s an online course on alternatives to conventional schooling, a growing global directory of progressive schools/learning communities, jobs, events and changemaker initiatives, and a membership for start-up schools and learning communities.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or simply in need of someone to talk things through with, please do get in touch. I look forward to connecting with you!
Copyright Progressive Education 2026
Copyright Progressive Education 2026