About Different Steps CIC
Our Story
Born from Brilliance, Built for Success
Different Steps CIC emerged from the acclaimed Animal Antiks – but we're so much more than just the next chapter. We saw young people thriving in our therapeutic farm environment and thought: "What if this transformation could earn them qualifications too?"
That spark of innovation became our mission: to create an educational experience so engaging, so purposeful, so aligned with how these incredible young people actually learn best, that success becomes inevitable.
Our Mission
Unleashing Potential Through Innovation
We exist to revolutionise post-16 education for young people with EHCPs.
By combining cutting-edge animal care, land-based and farming qualifications with the natural therapeutic power of our working farm, we don't just prepare students for their future – we help them create it.
Our Values
Potential is everywhere – we're just the ones who know how to find it
Innovation drives everything – from lesson plans to life plans
Independence isn't given, it's grown – and we're master gardeners
Respect flows in all directions – students, staff, animals, environment
Excellence is non-negotiable – in education, outcomes, and experiences
Our Approach
Where Science Meets Magic
Revolutionary Environment: Our working farm isn't just a classroom – it's a confidence-building, skill-developing, future-creating powerhouse where students discover capabilities they never knew they had.
Personalised Brilliance: Every student gets their own roadmap to success, designed around their EHCP outcomes, personal interests, and career dreams. No one size fits all education here.
Hands-On Mastery: Students don't just learn about animal care – they become animal care experts. They don't study farming – they become farmers. Real skills, real confidence, real futures.
Holistic Transformation: We develop the whole person – academic achievement happens alongside life skills, confidence building, and personal growth that lasts a lifetime.