The need: Children from disadvantaged backgrounds are five times more likely to be permanently excluded from school than their better-off peers, and only 4% of young people in alternative provision get the English and maths GCSEs that will help them achieve meaningful job outcomes later in life. Up to half of excluded pupils also struggle with mental health challenges, and those who have been suspended or excluded are over four times more likely to self-report engaging in violent behaviour.

Our portfolio partner: Empire Fighting Chance is a leading sport for development charity fighting the effects of inequality on young people’s lives. Using a powerful combination of non-contact boxing and intensive psychological coaching, they give young people the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to make positive changes in their lives.

Our impact: Impetus is supporting the organisation to develop a centre of excellence in the heart of Bristol, in preparation for scale. Together, we are getting Empire Fighting Chance ‘fit for the fight’: strengthening programmes, reaching the young people who need them most, and measuring outcomes around mindset and school engagement consistently.