Two secondary schools in Sunderland will benefit from a grant of £114,538 from SHINE, a charitable organisation dedicated to raising the aspirations and attainment of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The funds will be used to support disadvantaged pupils in Sunderland as they transition to secondary school.
Both schools recognise the critical importance of early intervention and robust support systems during the transition from primary to secondary school. The ‘Accompaniment’ project is designed to address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable pupils at St. Aidan’s Catholic Academy and St. Anthony’s Catholic Girls School, Sunderland, both part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.
Despite serving some communities in areas of deprivation, both schools have consistently promoted a culture of aspiration and achievement, exceeding national and local averages.
The project pairs each Year 7 pupil with an ‘invested person,’ either a family member or a school-based mentor. They will support the pupil throughout Year 7, accompanying them through various experiences such as outdoor excursions, cultural outings, book groups, and academic support sessions.
The goal is to foster a sense of belonging and understanding of school systems, helping pupils thrive in their new environment. The project aims to create lasting change by sharing its learnings with other schools in Sunderland, extending its impact beyond the initial cohort.
Anne-Marie Whitten, Headteacher, St. Aidan’s Catholic Academy, said, “SHINE is committed to closing the attainment gap by funding and supporting educational projects that offer equal opportunities to all students, regardless of their circumstances. Their endorsement of this project underscores its potential to make a significant impact on vulnerable students’ lives.”
Marie Langhan, Headteacher, St. Anthony’s Girls Catholic Academy, said, “We are deeply grateful for SHINE’s support to help transform the educational experiences of vulnerable pupils in Sunderland, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and support needed to succeed in their educational journey and beyond. We are really excited about this project and the outcomes for our pupils, allowing them to be the best versions of themselves.”
ENDS
Image Caption: Year 7 pupils
Press release issued by Alan Herbertson, St. Aidan’s Catholic Academy, Sunderland aherbertson@staca.co.uk