Nuneaton is the home of MacIntyre’s new No Limits site, opened for the new academic year in September 2025. There are multi-function rooms for so many different activities from functional skills like budgeting to enterprise projects, upcycling and gardening.
In addition, there’s a music room, ready for a learner wanting to start a band, and a sensory space that is always open for anyone in need of a quiet moment or break, meaning every learner can find what works best for them. The whole place feels social and welcoming.
On Monday, we spent some time with a couple of learners, Alex and Adrian* to see what a day in the life of a No Limits Learner is like.
Alex’s Monday Morning
Alex is a new learner at No Limits, having left Venture Academy (part of the MacIntyre Academies Trust) in the summer and he’s already embracing college life. Supported by Sunita, who has worked with No Limits since 2017, Alex was busy writing up about his recent trip to the British Motor Museum. He’s preparing a presentation to share what he’s learnt, which he is using to build his confidence in research and communication.
Alex is incredibly passionate about transport. Whether it’s planes, trains, or cars he knows every detail inside out. Alex told us his dream job is to be a commercial pilot for Lufthansa, but also would be happy to be a train or a truck driver. Alex is currently planning a train journey to explore different stations.
When asked how he feels about coming to No Limits, Alex tried to hide his smile and said, “It’s okay, I guess”, before breaking into a huge grin that gave the real answer. Alex's mum says he “absolutely loves” coming to No Limits, as he feels he’s treated like an adult, and supported to follow his passions, whether it’s baking shortbread for a Macmillan Coffee Morning or planning his next museum trip.
Lunchtime with Adrian
Later in the day we joined Adrian, now in his third year at No Limits. Adrian communicates in his own way, through using his folder to make choices and pointing. Today he was supported by Tracy and Claire; thanks to Adrian’s detailed support plans, both Tracy and Claire were able to provide him with a smooth, consistent experience despite his usual team being away.
Adrian lives in his own home, with support from a wider team. His days at No Limits are shaped around his interests and routines. On that day Adrian and his team went shopping in the morning to choose his lunchtime meal – taking the opportunity to build his independence skills. With encouragement from Tracy and Claire, Adrian joined them for lunch at the table, another important step towards one of his personal goals.
That afternoon Adrian was looking forward to his trip to Coventry’s art gallery, one of his favourite places to visit.
We know that every day is different for learners at No Limits. Each learner follows a pathway that matches their goals and ambitions:
Onwards to Engagement,
Onwards to Independence
Onwards to Employment
Onwards to Further Education
Every learner’s pathway is personal. For Alex, that ‘Onwards to Employment’ pathway might include preparing presentations, planning train journeys, and later this year even working towards his Driving Theory test. For Adrian, ‘Onwards to Independence’ it means everyday steps like going shopping.
