Lunchtime Speaker – GASP – Alex Thompson

Our speaker this week was Alex Thompson who is CEO of The GASP Motor Project. It was set up in 2005
as a diversionary evening activity for young people who were showing anti-social behaviour in the villages of
Gomshall, Albury, Shere and Peaslake -hence GASP. Originally part of the Lychgate Youth Trust, GASP worked
with the local police officer to identify young people who would benefit from positive interventions and hands-
on vocational learning. The success of the sessions became widely accepted somewher for young people who
struggled in mainstream education to access high quality, hands-on vocational learning. With demand
outstripping supply, the charity began delivering day-time sessions partnering with Surrey County Council, the
Youth Justice Team and Pupil Referral Units. Since then it has grown greatly. In 2025/26 it taught motor
mechanics and motor engineering to 670 young people in the 12-16 age group and provided 1,663 teaching
sessions (+12%) and awarded 1984 AQA unit awards, which was up 41% on the previous year. AQA is an exam
board that holds examinations in GCSEs and A-Levels and in vocational qualifications. Most of GASP’s students
have been excluded or suspended from mainstream education. It works closely with a number of local schools
like Bishop David Brown, who pay the charity to provide courses for their pupils. The charity is based at its
workshop in Albury, which is being expanded by 25%, and also has mobile workshops. This year it will be
providing a 39 week bespoke curriculum leading to an AQA certificate which is IMI (Institute of the Motor
Industry) accredited. Successful students will be in a very good position to obtain apprenticeships and jobs in
the motor industry. The vacancy rates in the industry are higher than average at 2.7%. Also, students of the
GASP courses have much improved social skills, when they have finished their course. In addition to fee income
from schools, GASP obtains funding from grant-giving charities like Byfleet United Charities, Heathrow
Community Fund and the Garfield Weston Foundation, from its own fundraising and from donations from
organisations such as Woking Rotary Club. Richard Sanderson congratulated Alex on her interesting and
inspiring presentation and on the great progress that GASP is making. The President presented Alex with a
donation from the Club.