Preston North End Community and Education Trust’s [PNECET] collaborative partnership with Southlands High School in Chorley has seen PNECET engage with a total of 191 local young people since September.
The partnership was created with the aim of improving positive behaviour, education attainment and a sense of belonging among pupils, with PNECET Secondary Education Youth Mentor, Cameron Molloy, based at Southlands four days per week.
Since the partnership began in September, PNECET has engaged with a total of 191 Southlands High School pupils, with 23% of those eligible for free school meals and 19% receiving SEN support. A total of 79 sessions have been delivered thus far, supporting each individual’s needs and school experience.
The impact of the partnership is evident with pupil behaviour improving by 28%, whilst attendance has also risen – which is testament to the positive outcomes of the sessions.
In recognition, pupils have won a range of exciting club prizes, including match tickets, merchandise and trophies.
As an end-of-term celebration, a total of 28 pupils from Years 7 and 8 visited Deepdale, rewarded for their outstanding behaviour in class and high attendance throughout the first term.
The pupils went behind the scenes at Deepdale on an exclusive stadium tour, including the opportunity to visit the players’ dressing rooms and go pitchside. In the afternoon, pupils attended PNECET’s training facility, where they took part in a variety of sports such as football, basketball, boxing, dodgeball and cricket.
PNECET Secondary Education Youth Mentor, Cameron Molloy, commented: “It has been brilliant working with the pupils at Southlands High School and being a part of their fantastic progress so far.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership and achieving even more positive results in 2023.”
Lisa Hardman, Deputy Headteacher at Southlands High School, said: “As the first term of our collaboration draws to a close, we are really looking forward to our next.
“Cameron has worked tirelessly to support our young people in their education journey.
“Times have been difficult for young people returning to school after the pandemic but, with the appointment of Cameron and the collaboration between us and PNECET, we are seeing our school community thrive.
“From interventions to recognition and rewarding of tickets, the work that has started has been well received by all.”
To find out more about PNECET’s Alternative Provision, please contact Jake Blackburn on jakeblackburn@pne.com or call 01772 693309.