The young people we support live in some of the most economically and socially deprived places in the UK and were disproportionately affected by the pandemic – educationally, socially and psychologically. Not to mention the wider economic effects of the pandemic – worsening poverty, food insecurity, financial stress, and the lack of work and training opportunities.

We had to react quickly and do what we could, fast, focusing on:

  • academic recovery – closing the learning gap through a virtual Catch-Up Academy
  • resources to support students beyond school, bridging the gap into further education and the world of work
  • equal access to digital distance learning
  • the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and school staff.