SCHOOL-based anxiety is rising sharply across the UK, fuelling growing concerns about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and leaving increasing numbers of children struggling to access education.

For many families in Pembrokeshire, the impact goes far beyond the classroom. Children can experience overwhelming anxiety, loss of confidence, social isolation and physical symptoms such as nausea and panic. Experts point to a range of factors, including academic pressures, social media, the lasting effects of the pandemic and increasingly large class sizes.

Against this backdrop, Cherry Grove Learning Centre in Haverfordwest is opening its doors to families looking for support, understanding and a different approach to learning.

The independent learning centre supports learners aged 3–18, including many who have found traditional educational settings overwhelming due to anxiety, autism, ADHD and other additional learning needs. Cherry Grove welcomes children and families from all backgrounds and provides a nurturing environment where learners can rebuild confidence, develop positive relationships and re-engage with learning.

Cherry Grove’s small class sizes, therapeutic classrooms and highly personalised approach allow staff to build strong relationships with every learner and tailor support to their individual needs.

Neil Atkin, Vice Principal at Cherry Grove Learning Centre, said:

“We are seeing more and more children whose anxiety around education has become overwhelming. Parents often tell us that their child has lost confidence in themselves and their ability to learn. These are bright, capable young people who often simply need a different environment and approach.”

Principal Saj Madni added:

“Parents often come to us feeling exhausted and thinking they’ve run out of options. Many of the learners have spent years feeling that education isn’t for them. Once they begin to feel safe, valued and understood, we see confidence grow, friendships develop and a genuine enjoyment of learning return. It is a privilege to watch that transformation happen.”

The centre’s impact is perhaps best reflected in the experiences of the families it has supported since opening in September 2025.

Parents have described Cherry Grove as “the best decision we ever made” and said that “Cherry Grove has changed our lives.” Others have spoken about the relief of seeing their children happy again and enjoying learning, with one parent saying: “We finally have our happy child back.”

Cherry Grove Learning Centre will be holding an Open Day on Thursday, July 2 from 10am until 2pm at 1 Cherry Grove, Haverfordwest, SA61 2NZ.

Visitors will be able to meet staff, see classes running as normal and tour the facilities, which include bright, spacious classrooms, a well-equipped sensory room, sports halls, a common room with pool and table tennis facilities, and even a dedicated model railway room. Families will also have the opportunity to speak directly with parents whose children attend the centre and hear first-hand about their experiences.

Families wishing to attend are asked to book a slot by emailing [email protected] or calling 01437 805344.

For more information, visit www.cherrygrovelearning.org or follow Cherry Grove Learning Centre on Facebook.