The Penrith area could eventually become home to a new centre offering alternative education provision.
It is part of plans by the Mighty Oak initiative, which aims to support children facing challenges within mainstream education.
Mighty Oak is headed up by founders Kate Lindsay and Rhian Lennon.
They are in the process of securing a premises in Kendal and following the establishment of the site there, representatives for the Mighty Oak said it would look to expand to a secondary site in Penrith.
It plans to employ a small number of highly-qualified teaching professionals to support 11 to 18-year-olds with special educational needs.
In Cumbria, the demand for alternative education provision is described as significant and complex.
Around 10,000 children in Cumbria are considered persistently absent with the reasons as broad as they are complex, said representatives.
Recently, MP Neil Hudson met with Kate and Rhian.
Dr Hudson pledged his support and said he is helping the team identify and apply for appropriate funding and put them in contact with local stakeholders.
Kate and Rhian said: “Mighty Oak is a brand new initiative, years in the making. Our shared passion is to support the young people of Cumbria to meet their brilliant potential in a bespoke and relaxed environment that meets their needs.
“We also consult with and train the professionals who work with young people, with an over-arching ambition to re-define the landscape of how we understand approaches to education.
“The vision and ethos of our new education provision is that every young person who comes to us will succeed and achieve through our holistic and creative approach to teaching and learning.
“The momentum behind our initiative which launched in 2024 is already phenomenal, and we are profoundly grateful to Dr Neil and his team who spent time with us and have offered their ongoing support.
“We couldn’t do what we’re doing without their championship and advocacy and look forward to the amazing things we will achieve together for the young people in Cumbria.”
Dr Hudson added: “It was a delight to meet with Kate and Rhian and discuss how the Mighty Oak Initiative might best serve and support my younger constituents who may be facing challenges along their education pathway.”
