The Reach Out Project currently delivers its mentoring programme at The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy in the London Borough of Croydon.

 

According to the Department for Education, during the 2017/18 academic year, there were 39,185 fixed-term exclusions recorded in state-funded secondary schools in London, representing a 39% increase from 2014. School exclusions do not help to establish the root causes of disruptive pupil behaviour. Instead, they lead to a significant loss in classroom time and limit options available to young people above the age of 16. Stats show that more than 40% of 16 to 18-year-olds who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) have previously been excluded from school.

 

For many young people, school exclusions can exacerbate their problems and expose them to more negative influences. This is important because a parallel exists between school exclusions and anti-social or criminal behaviour. With the number of violent crimes in London steadily increasing, early intervention is key to ensuring young people have better outcomes in life.

 

The Reach Out Project aims to tackle these issues by working collaboratively with secondary schools in the Borough to support students who are at risk of being excluded. These young people have complex needs and require intense and targeted intervention. Our goal is to have the capacity to help all young people in need and with your support and donations, we hope this is possible.