Loudmouth’s Impact: Engaging Young People in PRUs

We are passionate about reaching all young people and our work in Pupil Referral Units (PRUs) has been some of our most challenging and rewarding sessions. These sessions require a slightly different approach and this allows opportunities for engagement and important conversations that can help shape attitudes.

Engagement in Alternative Education

PRU settings vary widely, and so does the response from the young people. Some instantly engage, react deeply, and emotionally to the performances and asking insightful questions. Others are more reserved, needing encouragement and space to feel safe before they participate. Despite occasional disruptions, we consistently see young people connecting with the topics, whether through direct interaction or quiet reflection.

Handling Challenging Topics with Sensitivity

Many young people in PRUs have personal experiences related to the issues we explore. Sadly, they may have experienced elements of the exploitation, violence or peer pressure covered in our theatre programmes. Our staff are skilled in safely managing this and allowing the connection students have to the content to generate discussions and shared insights and ideas.

Working with PRU Staff

We work with the staff in each unit we visit. We take a lead from the centre on what works with their students. We adapt to breaks and in some cases invite staff to be part of the discussions. Our teams juggle how to work with the needs of the PRU staff and practicalities whilst ensuring that the voices of young people remain at the heart of the session.

Transforming Resistance into Reflection

Of course, not every session in a PRU is smooth sailing. We’ve encountered heckling, disruptive behaviour, and even moments where sessions had to be cut short. Our experienced staff can adapt to this and understand the challenges and needs in ways that many outside visitors may not. We’ve seen students who initially dismissed our work later ask thoughtful questions. We’ve witnessed those who started out ready to mock the content, shift towards serious and thoughtful discussion. Sometimes, the real impact of our work isn’t visible in the moment, but in the conversations that continue long after we leave.

Creating Lasting Impact

Despite the challenges, staff regularly tell us that our sessions open doors to further discussion and help address difficult topics that might otherwise be left unspoken. Many PRUs choose to use our lesson plans for follow-up work, reinforcing key messages.

Working in PRUs is never predictable, but that’s what makes it so important. These sessions aren’t just about education; they’re about giving young people a voice, challenging harmful norms, and helping them navigate the world with greater understanding and empathy.

Would you like to bring Loudmouth Education & Training to your PRU? Get in touch today on 0121 446 4880 or at enquiry@loudmouth.co.uk to see how we can work together to create change.