welcome
Welcome to the Hummingbird Learning Lab, a unique place of learning, launching in September 2025.
We are the world’s first neuroscience-grounded learning environment where young people make original discoveries, become entrepreneurs, and develop a profound understanding of themselves, others, and the real world - an understanding of nature and human nature - all while earning recognised qualifications and having the possibility to study at Master’s-level. Join us in a journey of discovery and creativity to give young people the agency they need to evolve throughout life.
Dave Strudwick
Headteacher and Co-Founder
a message from Beau Lotto - owner and co-founder
Our Mission is to empower
young people with agency in their own evolution throughout life.
To realise our mission we are guided by a single principle that agency thrives in understanding nature and human nature
We do this by creating a learning lab ecology using and aspiring to the following ideas. We are:
1. inquiry focussed and learn and discover best in the 'real world'.
3. exercising the C's - being caring, curious, courageous, calm (in uncertainty) and committed.
4. fostering agency through an alignment of awareness, attitude, actions and accountability.
5. empowering well-being and learning through Perceptual Neuroscience.
6. having a go and iterate with a desire for beauty and doing things well.
7. living with integrity and kindness to have a positive impact on self, others and the world
The above presentation and film gives a super overview of our why, what and how. Please watch the film as a starting point to finding out more about us.
11-14 Parent Question Drop-in Session
Thursday 12th June from 6 to 7.15pm on Zoom
Once you have watched the information film you may have further questions that you want to ask. This drop in zoom session gives you the chance to ask Beau and Dave those questions.
We'd love to help you make a positive choice for your child. You might want to know more about the staff in September or be wondering about the length of the school day. Whatever your question, big or small, please sign up for our drop in.
If you want to email any questions or would prefer to chat about your child's individual needs privately, please reach out to dave@labofmisfits.com. To sign up for the drop in just click below.
11-14
Taster
Day
We warmly invite young people going into Years 7, 8 and 9, in September, to join us at King’s Bruton on Saturday 14th June, from 9 am to 3 pm, for a hands on taster day where you can gain an experience of our approach in the Memorial Hall (parking available on the school site).
During the day, we will explore:
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The nature of being a student at Hummingbird through a mini project
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The amazing opportunities you will be offered.
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How we work without tests
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What qualifications you will leave with
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And how this environment prepares you to thrive in an ever-changing world
We would love your child to gain a felt sense of what being at the Hummingbird is like.
Our Approach
is an integrated learning experience which transcends traditional subject teaching, guiding individuals through inquiry and projects to trust in nature as an educator and develop new ways of being and understanding of the ever-evolving tapestry of life and the universe.
We are connected to Nature and Nature is connected to us. Nature is a complex adaptive system of which we are a part. Systems understanding flows through and out of this.
Learning is empowered by community and real-world authenticity. This means we don't just learn about life, but we learn to live life by being the scientist, artist, entrepreneur and chef ... our approach brings agency and understanding of the world from areas like bank accounts to relationships. How you learn is as important as what you learn.
Our Project and Inquiry Sequence where we explore, plan, do discover and share in a spiral learning process
Year 7- 9
3-day offer
bringing agency to learning and life
Our 3 day offer is an integrated learning experience which transcends traditional subject teaching and integrates learning through head, hands and heart.
You will lead your own personal projects as well as taking part in an exciting range of collaborative projects that help you exercise your agency and ability to inquire into nature and human nature. Through these experiences you will develop new ways of being, and new understanding to emerge trust in oneself, others and the universe. Scholarships available.
Y12+ Extended Diploma
bringing agency to learning and life
In our "sixth form" you will learn about research, inner development, perspectives and narratives, community and culture, regenerative economics, natural science, art craft and design, and develop a self directed independent inquiry.
You will achieve a Level 3 (Equivalent to 3 'A' Levels), Ofqual Accredited, Extended Diploma with the Crossfields Institute. Our approach to the qualification supports the student to become more evolvable within a context of a rapidly changing world through the lens of nature, culture and human nature. This is a course that can lead to university, becoming an entrepreneur, the world of work with our most able and dedicated students staying for an additional year long Level 7 course (Masters Degree Level). Assessment is ongoing and through a portfolio approach. Scholarships available.
Year 10 11
Extended Diploma
bringing agency to learning and life
In Year 10 and 11 you will learn to lead your own personal project, develop creative thinking, personal social and learning skills, and engage with modules including language and literature, mathematics, natural sciences, art, craft and design, and global awareness.
You will achieve an Ofqual Accredited, Level 2 Extended Diploma with the Crossfields Institute, plus GCSE English and Maths. Our approach to the qualification supports the student's readiness for further study with us or provide a gateway to college or an apprenticeship. Assessment is ongoing and through a portfolio approach.
L7 Perceptual Neuroscience
bringing agency to learning and life
After completing your Level 3 Extended Diploma you will have the opportunity to dive more deeply into neuroscience and complex adaptive systems and develop your own original research working at Master's level.
The course will be validated by the Crossfields Institute.
Our Level 7 offer will begin in September 2027 and will provide a basis for further research, entrepreneurship and entering the world of work
