NOVA Newcastle

A fresh start. Real support. Genuine opportunity.
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Welcome

NAV Pathways is the first hub within NOVA Newcastle Alternative Provision, based in the heart of Jesmond, Newcastle. We exist for young people who need something different, a place that feels nothing like the environments that have not worked for them before.

Here, every learner is met with understanding, not judgment. With high expectations, not low ones. And with a genuine belief that, given the right environment and the right support, every young person can move forward.

We work with 11 to 18 year olds, offering personalised placements built around individual strengths, needs and goals. Whether a young person is finding their feet, rebuilding their confidence or working towards a clear next step, Nova Newcastle’s Pathways provides the stability, the relationships and the opportunities to make it happen.

Our Pathways

NOVA Newcastle offers something I rarely see in alternative provision, genuine belief in young people, backed up by real structure and opportunity.

James S

Our Values

Nurture
We build safe, trusting relationships where every young person feels valued, understood and supported. Through kindness, consistency and relational practice, we create a sense of belonging that helps young people feel confident, calm and ready to achieve.
Aspire
We hold high expectations and deep belief in every young person’s potential. With encouragement, optimism and personalised support, we help our young people overcome barriers, discover their strengths and aspire to a future where they can thrive in their community
Value
We ensure every young person knows they matter. Their voices, identities and experiences are respected, and their achievements are celebrated. By valuing each young person, we empower them to feel capable, included and succesful.

Meet The Team

Our team are experienced, passionate practitioners who believe in every young person they work with, and show up for them every single day.

Rhea Marwaha

The chance to open a new alternative provision in the heart of Newcastle was an opportunity I embraced wholeheartedly, recognising the potential it held for transforming young people’s lives.
 
Being invited to develop an ap in the heart of Newcastle, I knew it was exactly where my passion and experience could make the great sets impact 

I have always believed that every young person deserves to feel safe, seen, and valued. For some, their experience of education hasn’t felt like that, and I wanted to create something different — a calm, nurturing space where they are welcomed exactly as they are, and where we take the time to really understand them as individuals.

For me, it all comes back to relationships. I want every young person to feel that there is someone who genuinely cares, who will listen without judgement, and who will walk alongside them as they begin to rebuild confidence and self-belief at their own pace.

We work closely with families and schools because I know how powerful it is when everyone is connected and working together with care and consistency. My hope is always to be part of that wider support, helping to create steady, meaningful next steps that feel possible and right for each young person.

I also feel genuinely excited about what we are building at NAV Pathways. There is something very special about creating a space where young people can begin to feel safe again, start to believe in themselves, and experience success in a way that feels real to them.

Most of all, I want every young person who comes to NAV Pathways to feel that they matter, that they are not alone, and that there is always hope and a way forward for them.

Loreena Lawson

Loreena brings over a decade of experience in education, with a career built on creating safe, nurturing and inclusive environments for children and young people. She holds a degree in Educational Studies and began her journey in Early Years, developing a deep understanding of child development, attachment and the importance of relationship-centred practice. Within the role of Inclusion Manager, Loreena supported children with a wide range of needs and working closely with families, external agencies and the school team to remove barriers to learning. Most recently, Loreena worked as a Senior Leader in a mainstream school, supporting safeguarding, behaviour, pastoral support and the well-being of vulnerable pupils. 
 
Across every role, her passion has remained the same: ensuring that children who find mainstream school challenging are understood, supported and given opportunities to thrive. Loreena is committed to relational practice, early intervention and building strong trusting relationships that help young people feel safe, valued and ready to engage. 
 
As Alternative Provision Manager, she brings together her safeguarding expertise, leadership experience and unwavering belief in the potential of every young person. Her focus is on creating a provision where young people feel a genuine sense of belonging and where their strengths, stories and aspirations shape the support offered. 

Amber

Amber is one of our Vocational Mentors here at Nova Newcastle. With a range of formal and informal experience working with young people, Amber has success in creating safe and inclusive environments for young people to be safe, happy and themselves. Amber has worked hard to develop a strong mentoring offer within our provision, providing key support to young people surrounding mental health and emotional literacy. 
 
Amber joined Nova Newcastle because she embodies the vision that is offering an inclusive space to all young people in the North-East of England and supporting every child to feel a sense of belonging in education. Compassion and empathy drive Amber in her ambitions to create an inclusive space for young people to express themselves. Amber brings devotion, energy and excellent Zumba routines to the team. Aiming to be a powerful role model to young people, Amber will help to shape and guide the pathway to success for students here at Nova Newcastle. 
Through education, curiosity and strong relationship-building Amber will help all young people to thrive and achieve whatever they may dream of.

Get in touch with one of the team today

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