The one and only John J will live on in Refocus history. His journey from an enthusiastic Year 11 newcomer to a qualified, confident young man exemplifies what determination and the right support can achieve.
A Fresh Start at ReFocus
John J arrived at ReFocus at the beginning of Year 11, bringing with him an infectious enthusiasm and a likeable personality that immediately made an impact on our community.
Although he was popular with both peers and staff, John J faced a significant challenge: completing all his qualifications within a single academic year. It was an ambitious goal — but one that he approached with positivity, honesty, and determination.
A Partnership Built on Trust
From the very beginning, John J and his key worker, Heledd, built a strong and supportive partnership that became the foundation of his success. Together, they set clear, achievable targets for each stage of Year 11, ensuring he had structure, direction, and motivation every step of the way.
Each milestone was celebrated, helping John J build confidence and momentum as he progressed through his qualifications — one success leading naturally to the next.
Embracing the Challenge
John J was refreshingly open about finding some aspects of learning challenging. Rather than seeing this as a setback, he recognised that asking for help was a strength.
This self-awareness became one of his greatest assets, enabling him to access the right support at the right time and make consistent progress toward his goals. His willingness to be honest, work hard, and stay engaged was a major factor in his success.
From Support to Independence
At the start of Year 11, John J needed significant guidance to complete his coursework and manage his learning. But as the months went on, something remarkable happened — his confidence began to grow.
He started taking more ownership of his work, applying feedback, and demonstrating genuine pride in his progress. By the end of the year, John J had transformed into a confident, independent learner, capable of tackling challenges on his own.
A Natural Leader in Sport
Where John J truly shone was in the Sports Leaders programme. His natural ability to motivate and inspire others quickly stood out. He demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and enthusiasm, encouraging younger students to engage with sport in a positive and inclusive way.
His outstanding contribution was recognised by the Saints Foundation, who awarded him the Student of the Year title — a proud moment for John J, his parents, and everyone at ReFocus.
Pursuing His Passion for Football
John J has always had a genuine love for football — both playing and understanding the game in depth. While studying at ReFocus, he decided to take this passion further by training as a qualified referee.
He dedicated his weekends to studying the rules, completing his training, and earning his certification. Today, he continues to referee matches in the Northants Youth District Alliance League, putting his skills and qualification to excellent use.
Academic Achievement Against the Odds
Despite joining in his final year, John J made exceptional academic progress. Through hard work and perseverance, he successfully achieved his Maths and English qualifications, significantly improving his literacy, numeracy, and communication skills.
He also gained a range of vocational qualifications across multiple subjects, developing essential employability skills that will serve him well in the world of work.
John J left ReFocus with an impressive array of qualifications — a testament to his effort, resilience, and commitment to succeed.
Ready for the Next Chapter
After completing his studies, John J progressed to Moulton College, where he is now pursuing his passion for sport. This next step perfectly matches his strengths and interests, allowing him to build upon the strong foundation he developed at ReFocus.
His journey shows how the right environment, paired with determination and support, can turn challenges into achievements and set young people firmly on the path to success.
