Voices

“It may be the similarities of human thought that builds a world but it is the differences that make it worth living in. EOB allows the differences to shine”.

Student Voices

"This is the only place I've ever fit in. everywhere else just left me as an outcast to them. I'm glad to be here with the wonderful people. Who listen to my ideas and give me the space to grow up instead of me feeling left behind".

Student

"My experience in the EOB from 2020 all the way to 2022 has to be phenomenal for me, although I may have some down moments throughout the career overall I have been enjoying my time here. Now having a car gives me a freedom without having to wait for being picked up and such, plus with getting the Level 1 diploma and striving to get level 2 and then level 3, I feel like it will increase my chance of getting a job in the gaming industry and hoping that either University, apprenticeship or being here again in College will up it more and more".

Student

Progressed through the course from Level 1 to Level 2 Video Games Design.

"I really like going to EOB, I feel like it’s a good Avenue for me to do something that I like doing, animating and making games. The people there are good, my tutor Tom is really supportive and is helping me to understand why I get stuck sometimes, he is also a lot of fun which makes learning a lot easier".

Student

Level 1 Video Games Design

"I am really enjoying the course and the environment as there are less people and I can cope better. My tutor is friendly, patient and kind. My previous experiences at school were traumatic and unable to cope in the school environment. The only place I felt safe was at home when I was gaming. School was a very negative and painful experience. My ambitions moving forward are that I want to start the 'video game design programme' college experience".

Student

“At EOB I found that the lessons were always fun and engaging. The tutors were kind and always made time for those of us who didn't quite get it at first. Not only that the classroom had a friendly environment where I felt comfortable to be, it helped me not only in game design but also in my social skills helping me open up to other people.”

Student

“My time with EOB has been GREAT! Good tutors who have helped me set my path in the right direction. EOB has helped me to be more positive and it’s been a fun experience. The course work was difficult at the start but as I progressed through the course, it made more sense, and I got used to how to put it all together. The tools I used on the course were advanced, way more professional than I thought it would be, which has been great to get into the world of Game Design. I feel it’s given me all the tools I need! I know other colleges aren’t as in-depth. I enjoyed Enrichment / Life Skills activities which really helped me, as it went really into topics which I need outside of college such as Cyber Bullying and how it can have a negative impact on people's wellbeing. The course has also helped me with my disabilities, such as Autism.” “I was given the opportunity to do work experience at EOB last year (2023) and now I have a job with EOB as a Technical Support Assistant.”

Ex-Student

Now a Technical Support Assistant at EOB

"My EOB experience has been overwhelmingly positive and accommodating. My complex mental and physical needs have been met and every step has been taken to make sure I am comfortable. Everyone is very understanding of not just my needs, but the needs of everyone else in the class as well. The teachers are friendly and approachable, I know I can go to them for help both with lessons as well as personal problems. The course has been very easy to follow as the instructions are given in a very clear and understandable way. I feel I am really able to develop my skills in both coding and socialisation, as the environment is very welcoming and allows you to come out of your shell. Both the creative side and coding side of the course are equally enjoyable and being able to combine those skills to make games is extremely satisfying. Completing each step of the course has been a positive experience and I look forward to continuing my education at EOB".

Student

Level 2 Video Games Design

"Enemy of Boredom is located at Letchworth, a small town that does not have the hustle and bustle of other locations that I would find overwhelming due to my autism and anxiety. I have enjoyed learning Game Design at Enemy of Boredom for these past two years because of the support of the tutors and staff helping me to understand the curriculum. They have also supported me to develop socially and have provided many options to boost my confidence and motivation. Over this period, I have a further understanding of Game Design and enjoy modelling in Blender most, while also getting better at Unity. The environment is less overwhelming than other colleges because it has a smaller space, but provides exactly what I need to study Game Design. They always help me to identify and achieve my goals".

Student

Parents & Carers

"My son has come on leaps and bounds since joining EOB in September. Previously a school refuser he now looks forward to attending EOB, due to the Calm atmosphere , likeminded peers and great members of staff whom he has a great rapport with. Thank to everyone".

Parent Of

Student C

"T has had no education since 2021 due to unmet needs. Right from when T did a couple of taster sessions at EOB, it was evident this was going to be the most suitable provision for him. For autistic youngsters, it is vital they can tap in to their special interests and EOB has been able to provide this for T. He is now enthusiastic, happy and has so much more self belief. I never realised he was so talented in game design. We are very fortunate to have this wonderful provision locally. Gaming is most definitely not the enemy, if anything, it has saved T's life and given him the chance to build a positive future for himself".

Parent Of

Student T

"R has loved being at Enemy Of Boredom, we have seen a very positive change to him, EOB was definitely the best place for R he has loved every minute even the harder work. He enjoyed being amongst people who understood him, his peers, and also learning to do something he has always wanted to do - coding. We have expectations of R to carry on another year and come out on top with his knowledge of game creation and the social skills applications he has learnt at EOB".

Parent of

Student R

"Watching my son's confidence grow while at Enemy of boredom has been amazing, for a child who would never leave the house or socialise or be creative without me by his side. He now has the confidence to speak for himself. The staff are amazing and enemy of boredom is more of a family feel, which help the children/ young adults thrive".

Charlotte Newstead

Parent

"Being a parent of a child with special needs (Aspergers) is challenging enough without having to put out fires all day in a mainstream educational setting. When we opted for EOB Academy, little did we know that it would be THE place where my child would bloom and feel so good about going in that it would put an end to school refusal. She is on track now to complete the Level 3 RSL Creative Digital Media and her portfolio to enter university and to begin her quest for a career in Game Design. The RSL qualification that the course is accredited by is recognised by UCAS. What makes EOB Academy different is the class sizes and the exceptional Tutors they employ. I believe my child has achieved as much as she has because the Tutor (Jake) really gets her. My child has Mutism, and it reflects his expertise, knowledge, and professionalism that she is the college’s star pupil. EOB rocks and we are indebted to it".

parent

"We can’t begin to tell you what an amazing difference this weekly session has made to O. O has always struggled with creative thinking and planning and this has been an area of their education they would shy away from as they completely lacked confidence in their own ability. O has shared with us their ideas for this lesson and proudly sends me pictures of their work. To see them so enthused about a creative project has been wonderful. The weekly session is definitely their favourite lesson. Thank you for welcoming O and encouraging them to believe in their creativity".

Parent of

Student o

"L has attended EOB Academy for nearly two years. He has completed level 1 and is currently on course to complete level 2. The EOB Academy is the first educational setting that L managed in having previously attended an SMEH school. The difference in him has been game changing. The main reason EOB Academy works for L is that it is not the normal college setting. There is a very small group of students and a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Most of the other students are also neuro diverse which works well with L being on the autistic spectrum. The tutor is very calm, non-confrontational and had built up a very good relationship with L. He needs to feel safe to cope well and the structure there being one classroom and the same tutor gives a good daily routine that L can cope with. L is allowed to be himself without too much pressure".

parent of

Student L

"A was a cheerful, energetic, and bright student who had struggled with social anxiety since joining secondary school in Yr 7. When at school and within a group of his peers, he often struggled to positively engage and take part in lessons due to his anxieties and hyperactivity, but even more challenging he found navigating through the unstructured times of his school days. A used to get himself in such a state of heightened anxiety that he would lash out at his peers and teachers, who he perceived as being unjust, and eventually walk out of school and run home completely exhausted and torn by his impulsive and irrational behaviour, looming consequences and people forever telling him "to try a bit harder"…. By the time A was in Yr9, he felt exhausted, completely misunderstood, had a number of internal and external exclusions on his school record, was put on a range of behaviour support plans, was offered and meaningfully engaged in a range of individual and family interventions, and eventually was suggested a place at a behaviour specialist school. In Yr10, the situation was further exacerbated by the two years of disruptions due to Covid 19 pandemic when A found himself unable to return to school at all. Eventually, his ever-increasing anxiety resulted in deep depression and suicidal thoughts. At this point, we accepted that the mainstream schooling system was not for him and made our bravest and smartest decision - to try alternative provision with Bracknell EOB. In Yr10 A started attending one day per week and enjoyed every moment of it. As his situation at school was not improving, his time at the EOB was soon increased to two days per week. Little did we know at that time that these would be the happiest years of his schooling! During the two last years of his education at EOB there was not a single day where A did not want to go to school. From day one, he and we felt that this was the right place for him to grow, learn and thrive. With the support of his amazing tutor, Jake, and the rest of the team, A had almost 100% attendance in Yr10 and completed his digital media course with distinction. He started believing in himself again, smiling, joining us at the dinner table, engaging in kinder interactions with his younger brother, etc. It felt like we had our lives back and that this place was an absolute breath of fresh air for him and our family. Shorter days, a calm learning environment, smaller groups, and people who genuinely care and believe that "different" is also good enough, that different do not need to try harder to behave, to learn and to constantly mask, gave A a sense of belonging, new friendships, and confidence to leave the house and look forward to his days and weeks with excitement. We cannot thank the EOB team enough for all their time, care and effort that have been shared to support A and us through these truly tough years. We cannot thank them enough for their big hearts, who truly care and safeguard, the boundaries they taught, the respect they instilled, and the young confidence they returned. A has applied for a few apprenticeships and college courses, and he has already been invited to attend a few interviews. He and we know that there will be more difficult and challenging times ahead, that there will be more bumps, throwbacks and challenges to overcome, but for now, we feel that he has the skills, qualifications, and strength to do so and is ready to face these with much lower levels of anxiety and lots of hope, positivity, dreams and belief in himself. And this simply has been a true little miracle for A and our family. Simply put, educators and institutions like yours are the reason to hope that A and other children alike have a bright future. Thank you for making a difference in our lives. A mammoth thank you to A's tutor, Jake, not only for the academic education, extra hours and days spent with him but also for being an amazing mentor and a great role model for A and establishing key qualities in our kid that we hope will lead him throughout his life. Thank you to the larger EOB "family" for being creative, approachable, patient, understanding, having huge hearts, and promoting hope".

parent of

student A

"The whole environment at EOB has suited I and enabled him to fully engage in learning for the first time since primary school. Small class sizes, the layout of the room, the relaxed ambience, a soft start in the morning, able to wear his headphones and sitting near to the tutor have all helped enormously. However, the most critical aspect has been the amazing team of staff at EOB. Their experience with dealing with students with ASD is evident in all of their interactions with both I and us. I has enormous respect and affection for all the staff who have made him feel comfortable and safe in this environment which is no mean feat for a boy who had barely stepped into a classroom for 5 years at secondary school. I’s confidence has grown enormously from when he started at EOB to now as he feels settled and at home. The fact that he attempted to sit his Maths & English exams is testament to his progress and has surpassed our expectations as parents. I has much preferred not having to do homework since September 2024 which was always a source of anxiety/stress for him unless it was something he felt confident doing. Ironically, I has since chosen to complete some Computer Games Design work at home of his own accord now that he does not have to".

parent of

Student I

“Just wanted to let you know that he was really inspired by the University talk on Friday and came home in such a positive mood. We have never known him to think positively about his future before (usually the future is associated solely with anxiety and dread) but the talk seemed to open up a sense of possibility in him. I'm not sure exactly what Laura said to him but it was something about him being smart and capable which has really boosted his confidence so please pass on our thanks to her.”

parent

"EOB has been a revelation to our family and particularly our Corey. Throughout Corey’s young life he has been squeezed into a system that not only did not support him but did not recognise his incredible talents. Leaving mainstream he was a child so wrapped into himself he could barely face the outside world. Deciding to send him to EOB was a leap of faith and a game changer. Leap of faith, we had no idea how Corey would cope with a change of setting and the idea of having demands on him, filled us, as parents, with terror, as the smallest thing could lead to complete shutdown. Game changer, we need not of worried, the pastoral support at EOB has been amazing and Corey is not just happy, but for the first time in his life, proud of his achievements. This has not been an easy ride but every step has been discussed with Corey and us as family, there is always a staged approach to enable the young person to adapt at their pace and the results speak for themselves. Corey is happy and now has a future we can all look forward to. A time when he will have the confidence to stand on his own and stand up for himself and his differences. It may be the similarities of human thought that builds a world but it is the differences that make it worth living in. EOB allows the differences to shine. Thank you for everything you have done for Corey and all the other young people that just need time and people to believe in them.

Parent of

Student Corey

"Finding Enemy of Boredom has been a game changer for my son (pardon the pun). My son left a special school during lockdown and went to a local college with a Foundation Unit. Trying to manage this environment resulted in my sons mental health deteriorating requiring specialist support. Enemy or Boredom is supportive, inclusive and Neurodivergent friendly, which is the complete opposite to what my son had experienced. He is able to learn in a way that works for him, being supported by a highly skilled team that understand the barriers to learning that come with having complex Neuro-divergent conditions".

Theresa

Parent

"M finished school and had no direction or focus. He struggled socially and was very shy. He was recommended to EOB by a friend and signed up straight away. During the 2 years there his focus and enthusiasm grew, he matured, he became engaged in what he was doing. The staff and students really seemed to bring out his confidence more and he was being more sociable, talking more and making more decisions. I found the course to be extremely beneficial to M and the staff were so kind, patient and respectful. Will (Tutor) seemed to really understand the students individually and was incredibly supportive. All in all, I would highly recommend this course, both for its level of content and the social aspect. Love, love, love it".

Claire

parent of Student M

"I wanted to say a huge thank you for supporting M over the last two years. I do not think he would be ready to take the next steps on his education journey without having attended EOB. Jake's tutoring and coaching has been outstanding and this coupled with the safe learning environment and like minded students has enabled M to develop and thrive. Such a difference to the teen who started with you in 2021. M is probably not great at expressing his thanks himself but I know he really appreciates everything the EOB team has done to support him, especially Jake. Hopefully this type of opportunity will be open to more children as it really does show how the right environment can help teens who are struggling with mainstream school or college reach their full potential. Please pass on our thanks to all of the team involved in supporting M".

Jo & Keith Tipson

Parents of MT

"We honestly can't thank you enough for making such a huge effort to travel to meet xxxx and for completely turning things around. Once xxxx has made his mind up about something, it is exceptionally difficult to change it so you really have done an amazing job engaging with him today. We have found throughout xxxx’s time at school that in order to overcome his anxiety and feel settled he needs to connect with an adult so I'm sure that will be key when he starts at EOB and possibly on the taster day as well. I'm sure xxxx will have some ups and downs with his anxiety before the taster day but at the moment we are feeling really optimistic that he will make it in, which seemed completely unthinkable even yesterday".

Parent of student

in the beginning stages of joining EOB

“Before we found EOB both of my children struggled to find their place in education, they didn't fit and attendance and motivation were difficult. At EOB they were encouraged to be themselves, develop their skills and learn new ones. Confidence grew with a sense of belonging. Guidance and the support to explore their own creativity. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, quick to act to support individual needs. Enrolment was easy and all my questions were answered. Necessary support was put in place with staff going the extra mile to have training on specific medical needs. Certainly they have gained life skills and confidence to take next steps with confidence".

Parent of

two Level 3 students (brother & sister)

"Thank You all so much for supporting J and allowing him to study your amazing course. We are so very happy that he passed J wasn’t confident with the written part due to his dyslexia. Most important that he enjoyed the course learning using industry software. Who can say they’ve studied “Game Design”. You adapted the course to fit into J’s needs and helped him with his life skills. He’s to start his Maths Degree at University at Hertfordshire next month. Living in Student Halls and home half - half as he grows In independence".

parent Of Student

J who is now at University

'*name* said he liked it! Which is absolutely amazing. He was keen to tell me what he had been doing, and seemed very positive about it. This is a massive step for him, and I’m over the moon that we have finally found something that could potentially work for him 🤞. So all good for September! With a very slow transition to start, led by *name*. Enemy of Boredom is absolutely amazing, what you all do there is great, I was very impressed. All thought out very well, and giving every child a chance to thrive".

parent of

A newly enrolled student

"B has had a very positive experience at EOB. He works well in a calm environment and is able to work independently. He is very happy to go and enjoys the work he is doing. B attended mainstream up until Year 4. He spent most of Year 2 out of the classroom, then all of Years 3 and 4 in a room on his own with 1 -1 support. He found the school environment extremely distressing. He would regularly run out of the classroom and try to escape. They made adjustments and tried very hard to support B. Even with his EHCP in place and evidence that he wasn’t coping we were told he didn’t meet the criteria for a place in a specialist school. He was given outreach support from The HUB (behaviour support unit). He was then excluded from school in the December of Year 4. This resulted in B being given a place at The Hub in Year 5. To begin with B enjoyed his time there but soon struggled with the controlled environment. B was restrained/held regularly this was a very distressing time and has had a lasting effect on B. It has been a very stressful journey. B has complex needs and is a perfect example of one of the many children that need something different. B is in the best place ever emotionally, mentally and physically. We as parents are grateful for the opportunities he has been given. He is thriving".

parents of

Student B

Professional Voices

"Our pupil always returns to school with nothing but positive feedback on his day spent at Enemy of Boredom. He is enthusiastic for it and about it and it does wonders for his self esteem. It enables him to explore an area of interest for him which in turn enables him to feel good about his learning and achievements".

Natalie Simpson

Assistant Headteacher, The Reach Free School

"EOB is a fantastic provision where our students have thrived. They have helped students re-engage back into learning and come back to school each week, in a positive mind frame. EOB are inclusive and have really supported our Autistic students and allowed them to access a provision and learning that really inspires them and has helped increase their confidence, self-esteem and mental wellbeing".

Lisa McCarthy

SENCO King's College

"EOB provides specialist training to young people for whom regular school or college attendance would be difficult due to their neurodivergence. It engages them in creating and playing video games which benefit their lives through stress relief, creativity, immersion, productive time use and social connection. I am a ‘friend’ of Enemy of Boredom following a visit to their Letchworth training centre. I was very impressed with a number of aspects of their delivery: The strategic vision of the managers and their strong culture of care and support. The expertise of their tutors and the sensitivity with which they taught the young people. The engagement and motivation of the young people and their knowledge and skills development. The friendly, supportive learning environment which clearly helped to develop the young peoples’ social confidence and sense of achievement. It is an essential and specialist offer for a group of young people who would otherwise have limited scope of educational engagement. Yours sincerely".

Claire Griffin

Cert Ed (FE), Post Grad Dip Ed, MA in School and College Management.

"Enemy of Boredom is not just an alternative provision that offers an engaging qualification, but is a place where children can thrive. The learning environment is small and enables positive working relationships to be built between the child, adults and their peers. The atmosphere is respectful and welcoming. The children have reported that they like EOB because they feel like they are in a real workplace and love to wear their own clothing which makes them feel like an adult. Many of the children who attend enjoy making new friends and doing something that they love. As a school we have been very happy with the engagement seen from our learners and love the sense of achievement that they have. We are really happy with the weekly updates shared from the team and when visiting the provision we have seen happy and engaged learners. Kind regards".

Julie

SENCO

"EOB have been instrumental in providing our Year 11 students with a unique opportunity to understand and experience the video games industry. The students have undertaken a Level 2 Games Design Course, one day a week, and have developed a breadth of different skills and experience including production, games design, and coding".

Shelley Hughes

Assistant Head - Stevenage Education Support Centre

"Gaming is more than just a hobby; it's a realm of creativity, innovation, and endless possibilities. As a partner of Enemy of Boredom, we're here to support and encourage students every step of the way. From developing immersive worlds to crafting captivating stories, they’re about to dive into a universe where their ideas come to life".

Lien Cross

Early Careers Manager

"We are delighted to be collaborating with EOB; here at Club 85 we are passionate about encouraging the next generation of music and performance enthusiasts to follow their passions; being in the unique position to allow students a look behind the curtain into various aspects of the industry, we believe that hands-on experience is crucial to this process. Whether it’s sound/light engineering, stage management, event promotion or general front of house activity that strikes your interest, Club 85 has something for everyone. Through a mix of voluntary work experience opportunities at Club 85 and EOB apprenticeships, we aim to provide invaluable experience to each student, leading to the potential of employment with Club 85’s already majority neurodiverse team as well as additional work opportunities in the wider music industry.Most excitingly, being a music performance course, we’ll be offering you as much time on the Big Stage as possible throughout your time with EOB. That means you’ll have ample time to hone your craft to the max and really make the ‘End of Term Concert’ one to remember for all students and their families".

The Club 85 Team

"We would like to thank EOB for their fantastic support with one of our students this year, They offer such a friendly and fun environment and are a pleasure to be a part of. We look forward to creating an even better relationship in months to come".

Mr T Morris

Assistant SENCO Careers Leader, Attendance, Admin, Pastoral Care, LGBTQ+ Ally