Ashton-under-Lyne · Alternative provision
Promoting positive engagement in sport and education through a child-first alternative education programme for young people aged 11 to 16, delivered by the team behind Manchester Top Team.
About MTT Youth Project
Manchester Top Team Youth Project provides personalised alternative education for young people aged 11–16 who are experiencing challenges in mainstream education.
We provide a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where young people can re-engage with learning, build confidence and develop the skills they need to move forward.
Through individualised learning, mentoring, personal development and physical activity, we work with each young person to understand their strengths, needs and aspirations.
Reintegration is central to our approach. Working closely with young people, families and schools, we support each student towards a successful return to mainstream education or another suitable educational pathway, wherever this is appropriate.
What we offer
Low ratios and a calm setting so every student gets the attention mainstream classrooms can't always give.
Structured, personalised support in English and maths, using the BKSB platform to assess starting points, identify learning needs and track progress. Skills are reinforced throughout the programme, with opportunities to apply English and maths within life skills, personal development and everyday activities at a pace that works for each young person.
Recognised, bite-sized accreditation that gives students real evidence of progress and achievement.
Using the same facilities as Manchester Top Team, young people take part in varied, structured physical activities including non-contact boxing and MMA-based activities, badminton and other sports — supporting confidence, focus, teamwork and wellbeing.
Individual mentoring and personal development that helps young people build confidence, develop self-awareness, strengthen relationships and understand their emotions and choices. We support positive engagement with learning, improved attendance and preparation for successful reintegration and future pathways.
Designing MMA shorts, motorbike concepts, sportswear, gym branding and posters — creativity with a real-world outlet.
Delivered by Manchester Top Team
Sport-based learning is coached directly by Manchester Top Team's own staff — the same coaches who train the gym's amateur and professional fighters.
Boxing & MMA Striking Coach
Specialises in boxing for MMA.
MMA & Grappling Coach · Deputy Safeguard Lead
Judo and BJJ black belt, and an active professional fighter.
Take a look inside
A calm, structured environment designed around the young people who use it — a break-out room alongside a dedicated small-group classroom.
A typical day
Arrival, breakfast & check-in
A calm start to the day, giving young people time to arrive, have breakfast, settle in and check in with staff.
Functional Skills & learning
Individualised learning focused on developing English, maths and other relevant skills, based on each young person's needs, starting points and learning goals.
Lunch & social time
A relaxed lunch break providing an opportunity to eat, connect with others and recharge.
Physical Activity
A varied programme of physical activity, which may include non-contact MMA and boxing-based activities, badminton and other activities chosen to encourage movement, wellbeing, confidence, focus, teamwork and positive engagement.
Finish
What schools & parents say
"I get lots of 1:1 support in my maths and English which has helped me get better, I enjoy working with my mentor and learning MMA skills. Everything is personalised to me and what I need."
KS4 student
"My son enjoys attending every session. He has a great teacher who's caring and listens and helps my son achieve his potential. In the afternoon he's mentored by one of the professional coaches, where he trains and learns MMA while being shown good role models."
KS4 parent
Know a young person
who needs a second chance?