HOW IT ALL STARTED?
Our Story
Aspire Preparatory Centre (Saturday School in Lewisham) was founded in December 2020 by Garnett Clough with the support of founding members: Gloria Thompson, Rebecca Hamilton, Sheila King ,Carol Mensah, Brandon Clough and several others. The COVID-19 pandemic had an unprecedented impact on children’s learning and mental health, creating an urgent need for additional support.
Aspire Preparatory Centre is based at Perry Rise Baptist Church. After gaining agreement of church members and leadership team Aspire was launched to provide additional educational support to children aged 7–14 in the community .
Aspire offers a nurturing environment where children can grow in confidence and unlock their full potential. Our goal is to create a positive difference in their lives, equipping them with both academic knowledge and life skills.
WHY US?
What We Offer:
Our approach is simple but powerful
We praise to success. This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do at Aspire. We believe that every child has the potential to succeed, and we make it our mission to nurture that potential. By focusing on positive reinforcement and celebrating each step forward, we help children build the confidence they need to overcome challenges and reach their goals.
At Aspire our teaching extends beyond academic subjects
We empower children with life skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Our holistic approach encourages critical thinking, emotional resilience, and the ability to collaborate with others. We understand that success isn't just about grades; it's about developing well-rounded individuals who are prepared for whatever comes next.
When you choose Aspire
You're choosing a place where children are more than just students—they’re part of a supportive community that believes in their abilities and invests in their future. With us, children are seen, heard, and valued for who they are, and we’re committed to helping them unlock their full potential. Together, we make a lasting, positive difference in their lives, preparing them to thrive both academically and personally.
What We Offer:
The Centre will provide individualised programmes of activity that will help build confidence and self-esteem and enable young people to become independent learners who feel valued, empowered to engage in learning to progress to further education.
Aspire’s Motto is – Praising to Success
We want to encourage every child attending Aspire Preparatory Centre (Saturday School in Lewisham) to do the very best they can by praising them to success. This action will nurture the child’s confidence and sense of self. By using praise, we will be showing the child how to think and talk positively about themselves. You’re helping the child learn how to recognise when they do well and to feel proud of themselves. Our reward system will include an End of Term Award Event where children will receive certificates for Good behaviour, trying hard, getting to classes on time, being kind, helping the teacher, being a keen learner, Spelling, Reading, Times tables