From experience, we have seen how helping students re-establish a routine and providing them with a personalised sense of purpose can be a powerful part of their recovery. When thoughtfully tailored to their needs, education can become a source of stability, confidence and even joy. For many students overcoming an eating disorder, however, returning to the classroom can feel incredibly difficult. Fatigue, brain fog, anxiety around mealtimes and long periods of absence can all make the school environment feel unmanageable.

At Enjoy Education, we offer three tailored pathways, designed to meet students exactly where they are:

1. Full-time homeschooling programmes for those needing a completely supportive, one-to-one environment at home
2. Short-term ‘Bridge-the-Gap’ programmes that follow the school’s curriculum and help prepare students for a confident return
3. Bespoke mentoring alongside school, offering extra academic and emotional support to those continuing in a mainstream setting

Why school can feel like too much, too soon

Eating disorders often affect far more than just physical health. As one of our experienced tutors, Robyndra, explains:

“A student may have struggled with attendance due to their mental health or time in hospital. This can lead them to fall away from a school’s curriculum plan, and they may end up feeling lost and helpless, despite being bright and able. Working with an educational plan tailored to them means that any gaps can be identified and tackled, allowing their confidence to blossom.”

In these moments, flexible learning and one-to-one support can make all the difference.

Three bespoke pathways to help students recover and thrive

1. Homeschooling programmes: calm, consistent support at home

For students who aren’t yet ready to return to school, our homeschooling programmes offer a safe space to continue learning without pressure. These structured home school programmes are designed around each student’s cognitive and emotional needs.

• Flexible scheduling allows lessons to be arranged around therapy, medical appointments or times when energy peaks during the day
• One-to-one teaching offers fully individualised support, gently building confidence and academic skills
• Gaps in learning can be addressed in a calm, supportive setting, helping students feel less overwhelmed and more in control

As Robyndra shares:

“A bespoke educational plan can also help students manage fatigue and doctors’ appointments without stress or shame. Lessons can begin at a time suitable for the student, and any time missed can easily be made up.”

For many families, this approach brings not only academic progress, but a sense of calm, structure and emotional safety.

2. Bridge-the-Gap programmes: a soft landing back into school

When a student wants to return to school but feels unsure or unprepared, our ‘Bridge-the-Gap’ programmes offer short-term, focused support. These sessions can align closely with the school’s curriculum, helping students rebuild confidence before rejoining their class.

• We coordinate with your existing or new school on curriculum plans
• We follow the school’s lead on content, making the transition seamless
• We focus on missed topics, helping students feel prepared for lessons, tests or coursework
• We support emotional readiness, helping students feel secure in their return

These programmes are designed with compassion, recognising that recovery takes time and that returning to school is a big and often emotional step.

3. Mentoring alongside school: personalised support that fits in

For students who remain in school but feel like they’re struggling to keep their head above water, our bespoke mentoring programmes offer gentle but meaningful support.

• One-to-one tuition helps with study skills, revision and managing deadlines
• Mentoring focuses on building confidence and resilience, particularly where students are prone to perfectionism or self-doubt
• Time is also given to discuss emotional wellbeing, routines and practical strategies for balance

Many students begin to feel more in control, more connected and more able to cope as a result of this calm, structured and kind support.

Working together: parents, therapists and tutors

No recovery journey happens in isolation. At Enjoy Education, we make sure we work as part of a wider support team. That often includes parents, eating disorder clinics and specialists, counsellors, therapists, the local council or private psychiatrists, and the student’s school.

“Working with parents, social workers and therapists has resulted in some of the most transformative educational programmes I have been a part of. You can become an important cog in that student’s support system, resulting in huge changes to their feelings of security.” – Robyndra

We keep communication clear and positive, helping families feel informed and reassured. We also share small wins along the way, so parents can speak to their child about something they’ve done well. That sense of progress and encouragement matters.