The need: Securing GCSE English and maths unlocks opportunities for further study, training, and work, and is one of the strongest protective factors against becoming not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in adulthood. But young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are 30% less likely to achieve this than their more affluent peers. For those who resit their GCSEs in Further Education (FE) colleges, the challenge is even steeper, with current resit provision too often stretched thin.
Our portfolio partner: Get Further supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds to secure gateway English and maths qualifications through GCSE resits and Functional Skills. Working with students at FE colleges and through local authorities and training providers, their tuition programmes provide weekly small-group tutoring (up to 3 students) with trained subject specialist tutors, following a bespoke curriculum to build foundational knowledge and confidence ahead of exams. They also provide professional development support and curriculum resources to classroom teachers, promoting evidence-informed, adaptive and ambitious teaching.
Our impact: We’re working with Get Further to scale their impact, supporting them to expand their reach while continuing to work collaboratively on policy solutions that improve the resit system.
“Almost ten years ago, I attended the launch of Impetus’s Life After School report. The research not only highlighted how crucial English and maths qualifications are for the life chances of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, but also that the right support and resources rarely reach those who miss out on these qualifications at school. Being part of the solution to this challenge was a key motivation for setting up Get Further. The Further Education sector has enormous potential to transform outcomes for young people, continuing to build their skills and helping them gain the qualifications they need to achieve their aspirations. Almost a decade on from that research, I’m thrilled that Get Further will be working with Impetus to drive our impact forward and ensure more young people receive the tailored support they need to succeed at this crucial stage of education.”
Sarah Waite, CEO and Founder, Get Further
