I was there about two years ago for two years. I never really went to school, didn’t like it, but Sparkplug was great, I was their best rider.

I reckon I’d be in the nick if I didn’t go there back then. I’m a scaffolder now. I got all my certificates.     Charlie Bryant, age 19

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SPARKPLUG is an exciting and innovative project offering alternative education, training and youth work for young people in Islington and the neighbouring boroughs.

We primarily employ the mediums of motorbikes and pedal bikes to address the social and educational needs of children and young people that may have been excluded from mainstream education as a result of emotional behaviour disorders (EBDs), learning difficulties and or disability (LDDs) or a variety of other reasons.

Initially starting up as a youth engagement project to reduce the levels of bike related crimes in the local area some ten years ago, we have now developed our services and offer a more holistic approach to our work with a focus on partnership with statutory and voluntary service providers.

We have tailored our services to focus on engagement, using a preventative approach to address the wide ranging and complex needs that the young people we work with present.

We acknowledge that educational accreditation is not always enough to turn a young person's life around. .

SPARKPLUG now provides accredited courses to local education authorities and social services in motorbike mechanics (OCN Level 1 and 2), youth diversion and training projects (Loose Wheel and Dr Bike) using motorbikes and pedal bikes and bespoke courses and riding trips.

We also offer ad hoc Assessment and Qualification Alliance courses (AQA) for motorbike and pedal bike maintenance and riding.

As part of our work, we have entered into partnership with Prospex, a long established and respected youth work provider, who deliver pastoral support and intervention work with all young people who attend our courses regularly