Welcome to Abyss Scuba School

An Independent Alternative Provision in Littlehampton

Cartoon donkey wearing blue diving mask and snorkel

Learning Through Diving

Confidence, Calm & Real-World Growth

Welcome to Abyss Scuba School, an Alternative Provision where education meets the ocean.

We support young people to grow in confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing through a mix of scuba diving, snorkelling, marine exploration and nature-based learning.

We’re not a classroom. We’re an experience.

Discover the Transformative Power of Diving

At Abyss Scuba School, we believe that diving is more than just an adventure, it’s a pathway to personal growth, healing, and tranquillity. Our independent alternative provision dive centre offers a unique approach to education, therapy, and self-development through the incredible experience of exploring the underwater world.

The Power of Water & Nature

Water is regulating. Nature is grounding. Together they transform how young people learn.

Our learners engage in:

Snorkelling in our on-site heated indoor pool
Introductory scuba diving skills at their own pace
Structured water play to support sensory regulation
Beach walks & coastal exploration at West Beach
Rock pooling to discover local marine habitats
Marine biology & ecology workshops
Navigation & tide awareness along the River Arun
Nature walks & environmental learning around the marina

These activities reduce pressure, build confidence and encourage curiosity in a low-demand setting that feels safe and exciting.

Learning to Stay Calm Underwater

Snorkelling and diving teach young people to:

Control their breathing – reducing anxiety and supporting emotional regulation
Stay calm under stress – building resilience and flexible thinking
Be present & mindful – experiencing peace in a sensory-controlled environment
Problem-solve in real time – gaining independence and confidence

These skills transfer directly to everyday challenges.

Child in scuba diving gear, including a mask, regulator, and wetsuit, underwater in a pool.

Who We Support

Our AP is ideal for learners who:

Are out of school or struggling with attendance
Have autism, ADHD, PDA, sensory needs or SEMH profiles
Experience anxiety, school-related trauma or overwhelm
Thrive through hands-on, sensory and outdoor learning
Need a relational, low-arousal environment with structure

Two children lying on a bed with pumpkin-themed bedding, one with long hair and the other with curly hair, both smiling and waving.

Learning That Feels Real

Alongside diving and exploration, students access:

Marine Ecology & Conservation – wildlife, tides, habitats and sustainability
Applied Maths – depth, time, air use and navigation
Practical Science – buoyancy, gases, pressure, physiology
Literacy & Communication – dive logs, reflective journals, shared discussion
Teamwork & Social Skills – low-pressure, scaffolded and supported
Life Skills – confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, problem-solving

Learning becomes meaningful, relevant and lived, not forced.

Two boys playing a giant Jenga game at a table in a room with a white brick wall, a plant, and storage cubes in the background.

Our Facilities

Based at Littlehampton Marina, we offer:

Heated indoor pool with viewing window
Classroom spaces for workshops & reflection
Direct access to beach, harbour & coastal environments
Low-arousal sensory spaces
1:4 staffing ratio with consistent adults
Trauma-informed and ELSA-informed practice

All staff are safer recruitment trained with enhanced DBS & S128 checks.

A man dressed in diving gear, sitting on a couch inside a facility, holding a small yellow object, and smiling. Next to him on the couch is a large stuffed bunny toy. There are scuba tanks, gear, and a flag in the background.

Pathways & Futures

For committed learners aged 16+, pathways may lead to:

Marine biology & conservation
Maritime & commercial diving industries
Royal Navy & maritime careers
Professional diving & PADI Divemaster apprenticeships
Environmental science & ocean advocacy

We show young people what’s possible beyond the classroom.

Two scuba divers, a young girl with blue goggles and a woman, are practicing in a swimming pool. They are both wearing black scuba gear, including tanks and wetsuits, and are submerged in the water.

Working With Schools & Families

We accept:

Part-time & full-time AP placements
Transition & reintegration placements
EOTAS packages
Home educated (EHE) learners
Short-term intervention programmes

We work closely with schools, SENCOs, parents, professionals and the local authority to support progress, communication and wellbeing.

A person scuba diving inside a glass tank, giving a peace sign with one hand, with scuba gear and fins, outdoors.

Above & Below the Surface — We Build Futures

At Abyss Scuba School, young people don’t just learn, they discover who they are.

If you want to:

Visit the centre
Request a placement
Arrange an assessment
Ask about partnership work

Just let us know, we have immediate availability and we’re here to help.

Two children in scuba diving gear, including masks and wetsuits, in a pool. One child is floating and talking, the other is leaning on the edge of the pool.

Ready to take the plunge?

Contact us today to learn more about our diving programs and how they can support the well-being and education of young people in need of an alternative provision.

Cartoon donkey wearing blue snorkel and goggles with a surprised expression.

Get in Touch