F
Future Focused
We encourage ambition, aspiration and purpose, helping learners and staff prepare for successful futures through education, personal growth and lifelong learning.
Alternative Provision • Wolverhampton
Education is a journey of connection.
At ConnectFirst Academy we help young people reconnect with themselves, reconnect with learning and reconnect with their aspirations. Success begins with connection.
Connect to Yourself. Connect to Learning. Connect to Your Future.
“The most important connection a young person can make is with themselves.”
When learners understand who they are, recognise their strengths and believe in their potential, they become more confident, resilient and motivated to succeed. From this foundation, meaningful learning takes place and positive futures are built.
Our FIRST Values
The values that shape everything we do
The FIRST Values guide how we learn, work and grow together at ConnectFirst Academy.
I
Inclusion
Everyone belongs. We value diversity, celebrate individuality and ensure every member of our community feels respected, supported and able to succeed.
R
Resilience
We develop confidence, perseverance and adaptability, encouraging everyone to learn from challenges and keep moving forward with determination.
S
Success
We celebrate progress, effort and achievement, supporting every learner and colleague to achieve their personal best.
T
Trust
Trust is the foundation of everything we do. We build it through honesty, consistency, accountability, respect and genuine care for one another.
The ConnectFirst Journey
Built around four important connections
Connect to Self
Every journey starts here
We help learners develop self-awareness, confidence, self-belief and a positive sense of identity, so they are better equipped to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities.
Connect to Learning
Curiosity, engagement and achievement
We provide personalised, high-quality education that helps learners develop knowledge, skills and recognised qualifications while discovering the joy of learning.
Connect to Others
Strong relationships help young people thrive
We create a culture of respect, inclusion and belonging where learners build positive relationships with staff, peers, families and the wider community.
Connect to Opportunity
Education should open doors
We help learners develop the skills, experiences and aspirations needed to progress confidently into further education, employment and adult life.
Life at ConnectFirst
A real place, with a real sense of belonging
Set in a historic building in the heart of Wolverhampton, opposite the iconic Molineux Stadium, our home gives young people a calm, welcoming and purposeful place to learn.
From mentoring and small-group teaching to community partnerships, every day is built around connection, confidence and progression.
Explore our homeA historic building with a modern purpose
The Old Rectory & the story of “Dorabella”
Our home is associated with Dora Penny, a cyclist, singer and musician who lived here between 1895 and 1914. Known as “Dorabella”, she was immortalised in Sir Edward Elgar’s famous Enigma Variations.
Her story of talent, creativity and individuality reminds us that every young person has strengths and potential waiting to be discovered.
Explore the history
In the heart of Wolverhampton
Opposite a symbol of ambition and community
Directly opposite The Old Rectory stands Molineux Stadium, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers. For generations, Molineux has represented ambition, teamwork, perseverance, resilience and community pride — the same qualities we build into our culture every day.
More about our location Frequently asked questions
About ConnectFirst Academy
Answers to the questions families, schools and local authorities most often ask about our alternative provision in Wolverhampton.
Let's work together
Whether you are a school, family, employer or prospective colleague, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.