Home Ed Setting
Heartfield is part of the Better EdSpace family, offering a welcoming, creative learning community for home-ed teens and tweens aged 10–15.
Together, Heartfield and Better EdSpace offer two complementary approaches to education. While Better EdSpace provides more structured, subject-focused learning, Heartfield takes an experiential approach, encouraging young people to explore ideas, make connections and develop understanding through discovery, creativity and practical experience.
Across five days each week, we offer two programmes: Mondays and Tuesdays for our younger group (10–12), and Wednesdays to Fridays for our older group (12–15).
From woodland exploration, living history and practical crafts to theatre, cooking, art, science and engineering, our programmes offer rich opportunities for meaningful learning. Through investigating, experimenting, designing and creating, young people develop the knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding that provide strong foundations for more abstract learning.
Small groups, supportive relationships and a genuine sense of belonging are central to everything we do. We believe that when young people feel safe, seen and supported, they are free to be curious, take intellectual risks and discover what they're capable of.
Nature & Wild Crafts (Ages 10–12) - Monday
Mondays at Heartfield are all about connecting with nature, exploring the outdoors and learning through adventure, creativity and play.
Our younger learners spend their day discovering the natural world through woodland exploration, wild crafts, outdoor games and hands-on activities inspired by the changing seasons.
From making things with natural materials to sharing stories around the firebowl, there are plenty of opportunities to develop practical skills, imagination, curiosity and confidence.
Learning happens naturally through exploration, problem-solving, storytelling and shared experiences, with friendships, collaboration and a sense of belonging at the heart of the day.
MONDAYS – 10:00–15:00
Living History & Culture (Age 10–12) - Tuesday
Tuesdays at Heartfield are all about travelling through time and around the world, exploring different countries, cultures and ways of life through immersive, hands-on experiences.
Each week, we journey somewhere new, discovering the history, traditions, stories and everyday lives of people from different places and periods.
Through storytelling, creative writing, traditional crafts, making, cooking, music and practical activities, young people experience the richness of different cultures rather than simply reading about them.
Along the way, we explore geography, history, language, art and science, making connections between ideas and developing a deeper understanding of the world and the people who inhabit it.
It's a day for curiosity, creativity, discovery and shared experiences, where learning comes alive through doing.
TUESDAYS – 10:00–15:00
Culture Day - Wednesday
Wednesdays at Heartfield are all about exploring the world, discovering different cultures and bringing ideas to life through creativity and collaboration.
Our Passport to the World programme explores countries, histories, traditions and cultures through practical activities, discussion and creative projects.
In the afternoons, we move into theatre and performance at the Peredur Theatre. From acting and storytelling to set design and backstage roles, everyone has opportunities to contribute, develop confidence and discover new skills.
Connection Day - Thursday
Thursdays at Heartfield are about making, creating and connecting through practical experiences in a supportive environment.
Our mornings offer opportunities for woodworking and cooking, where young people develop practical skills, independence, creativity and confidence through hands-on projects.
In the afternoons, we may learn about permaculture, practice advanced cooking skills or explore art for wellbeing, experimenting with different materials and techniques while encouraging imagination and self-expression.
Throughout the day, collaboration, conversation and shared experiences help build friendships and a genuine sense of belonging.
STEAM Day - Friday
Fridays at Heartfield bring together Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics through exciting, hands-on projects that inspire curiosity, creativity and discovery.
Our science and engineering activities encourage young people to investigate, experiment, design and invent. Current projects include Bright Ideas and Musical Science, exploring everything from electricity and circuits to sound and the physics of music.
Alongside these, Jez leads ambitious art projects throughout the day, encouraging young people to explore different materials, develop artistic techniques and express their creativity.
Through experimentation, problem-solving and collaboration, young people develop practical skills, deeper understanding and the confidence to explore new ideas.
Enrichment
We love to arrange a variety of enriching activities that give our teens the chance to learn, connect, and have fun beyond the setting. From inspiring trips such as New Scientist Live in London to relaxed day trips to the beach or walking historic paths on the South Downs, a bake sale in aid of a local charity, and hopefully for 2027 an adventurous ski trip, these experiences are designed to broaden horizons, build confidence, and create lasting memories.
Trial Days
Interested in joining Heartfield?
We know how important it is to find the right environment for your young person.
We begin with a conversation to learn a little about them and what they're looking for. Families are welcome to arrange a quiet visit to explore the setting, meet us and ask questions.
The next step is a trial day, giving your young person the opportunity to experience Heartfield and see how they feel.
If it feels right for everyone, we'd love to welcome them into our community.
Places are limited to keep our groups small and supportive.
To get started, please contact admin@heartfield.org.uk.
FEES
Our fees are paid monthly and spread over 10 months - September to June.
1 session per week - £240.00 p/m
2 sessions per week - £480.00 p/m
3 sessions per week - £720.00 p/m