A Practical Route Through Education
Vibe Provision was created to provide young people with an alternative way to engage with learning. We recognise that some learners find traditional education difficult to access. Larger classrooms, academic pressures or previous experiences of education can sometimes affect confidence, motivation and participation. Our provision offers a different approach. Learners are supported through practical barbering, vocational education and personal development within a smaller setting where relationships, consistency and individual progress matter. Our purpose is to help young people develop skills they can take beyond Vibe and into adult life.
OUR VALUES
Value
Every young person should be treated with dignity and recognised as an individual.
Inspire
Learning should create ambition and help young people see possibilities for their future.
Build
We build skills, confidence, positive relationships and foundations for employment.
Empower
Young people are encouraged to become more independent and take ownership of their next steps.
Answers to common questions about age, SEN support, qualifications, learning structure and referrals at Vibe Provision. If you can’t find what you need, our team is happy to help.
What age does Vibe accept?
Vibe supports young people aged 14 and above.
Is Vibe an approved qualification centre?
Yes. Vibe Provision is an approved VTCT Skills centre.
What qualifications are available?
We deliver the VTCT Skills Level 1 Award in an Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector and the VTCT Skills Level 2 Certificate in Barbering.
Does a learner need previous barbering experience?
No. The appropriate programme will depend on their starting point, experience and individual needs.
Does Vibe support learners with EHCPs?
Yes. We support young people with SEN and additional learning needs, including learners with EHCPs where the placement is considered suitable.
How are classes structured?
Learners work in small groups, allowing tutors to provide more focused teaching and support.
Can a learner visit before starting?
Where appropriate, a visit can form part of the referral and suitability process.
How do I make a referral?
Email our referrals team at:
referrals@vibeprovision.co.uk
MEET THE TEAM
Christopher Simms
Co-Founder | Head of Centre | Barbering Tutor & AssessorChristopher Simms has worked within the barbering industry for more than 20 years.
His career has included owning and running his own barbershops, developing other barbers and gaining extensive experience in the practical and business sides of the industry.
Christopher later moved into vocational education and became a qualified tutor and assessor.
His teaching experience has also included delivering barbering qualifications within prison education settings, supporting individuals to gain recognised skills that could improve their opportunities for employment and successful reintegration following release.
That experience reinforced his belief that learning a trade can create meaningful opportunities and change the direction of someone’s future.
At Vibe, Christopher brings together his industry experience, teaching background and understanding of vocational progression to support young people towards recognised achievement and greater independence.
“Education is key, both academically but more importantly, socially and emotionally.”
Leeroy Williams is Co-Founder and Centre Manager of Vibe Provision, bringing over 17 years of experience supporting children, young people and families across residential care, local authority services, Education Support Centres and Alternative Provision.
His experience has shaped a strong belief in relationship-based and therapeutic approaches to education, where young people feel safe, understood, supported and valued.
Together with Co-Founder Chris Simms, Leeroy established Vibe Provision to provide young people aged 14–19 with an alternative approach to education, combining vocational barbering, academic learning, personal development and employability skills.
Alongside Vibe, Leeroy is a Therapeutic Thinking Tutor, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator. He also founded Future Youth Inspired in 2023 to support young people and families and help raise aspirations.
For Leeroy, Vibe is about more than qualifications. It is about helping young people build confidence, recognise their potential and develop the skills they need for their future.
“You can’t be what you can’t see.”
Leroy Williams
Co-Founder | Head of CentreMEET THE TEAM
Christopher Simms
Co-Founder | Head of Centre | Barbering Tutor & Assessor
Christopher Simms has worked within the barbering industry for more than 20 years. His career has included owning and running his own barbershops, developing other barbers and gaining extensive experience in the practical and business sides of the industry. Christopher later moved into vocational education and became a qualified tutor and assessor. His teaching experience has also included delivering barbering qualifications within prison education settings, supporting individuals to gain recognised skills that could improve their opportunities for employment and successful reintegration following release. That experience reinforced his belief that learning a trade can create meaningful opportunities and change the direction of someone’s future. At Vibe, Christopher brings together his industry experience, teaching background and understanding of vocational progression to support young people towards recognised achievement and greater independence.
Leroy Williams
Co-Founder | Head of Centre
“Education is key, both academically but more importantly, socially and emotionally.” Leeroy Williams is Co-Founder and Centre Manager of Vibe Provision, bringing over 17 years of experience supporting children, young people and families across residential care, local authority services, Education Support Centres and Alternative Provision. His experience has shaped a strong belief in relationship-based and therapeutic approaches to education, where young people feel safe, understood, supported and valued. Together with Co-Founder Chris Simms, Leeroy established Vibe Provision to provide young people aged 14–19 with an alternative approach to education, combining vocational barbering, academic learning, personal development and employability skills. Alongside Vibe, Leeroy is a Therapeutic Thinking Tutor, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator. He also founded Future Youth Inspired in 2023 to support young people and families and help raise aspirations. For Leeroy, Vibe is about more than qualifications. It is about helping young people build confidence, recognise their potential and develop the skills they need for their future. “You can’t be what you can’t see.”