From Idea to Impact: The Story Behind Ysgol Antur Cwm

In 2024, Gavin Lewis — a former soldier and operations manager — sat down to watch a documentary about children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). What followed was a complete shift in direction, purpose and passion. Within seven months, he had launched Ysgol Antur Cwm: an independent school with a mission to change lives through outdoor education and real-world learning.

Based in Ystradgynlais, Ysgol Antur Cwm is now home to boys aged 11–16 with diagnosed SEMH or ADHD needs. With a small, skilled team of outdoor instructors and therapeutic educators, the school offers a different kind of education — built on structure, challenge, movement and trust.

“These young people don’t need fixing — they need a setting that fits them,” Gavin says. “For some, a day spent climbing, building, repairing or hiking does more for their confidence than a week of classroom work.”

The school operates out of the Ystradgynlais Community Centre and offers qualifications, ALN support, and embedded wellbeing sessions, all structured around outdoor learning. Pupils follow a blend of academic and vocational pathways — including carpentry, mechanics, DofE, and Functional Skills.

The vision is clear: meet pupils where they are, offer them purpose, and help them build a way forward.

Ysgol Antur Cwm is now open to referrals via local authorities, with placements considered where a maintained school isn’t suitable.https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/ex-soldier-who-set-up-29542017