Sunderland Schools helping pupils to ‘SHINE’
Two Sunderland secondary schools, St. Aidan’s Catholic Academy and St. Anthony’s Girls Catholic School, have had a fantastic start to 2025 indeed…
They’ve recently been awarded a fantastic £114,538 grant from SHINE, a charity that champions the success of kids from less fortunate backgrounds, and one Schools North East has partnered with in previous years.
The funds will be used to support disadvantaged pupils in Sunderland as they transition to secondary school, which is truly fantastic. Like us, both schools recognise the critical importance of early intervention and robust support systems during the transition from primary to secondary school, so we have every confidence that this funding will be put to great use.
Fostering a sense of belonging and understanding of school systems
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, which are 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. That’s something to celebrate all by itself!
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. It’s hoped that the project will create lasting change by sharing its learnings with other schools in Sunderland, extending its impact beyond the initial cohort.
Transforming the educational experiences of vulnerable pupils
Anne-Marie Whitten, Head Teacher of 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, Head Teacher of 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.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This project is a fantastic example of how communities can work together to give our young people the best possible start in life, and we can’t wait to see how this project unfolds.”
BCCET is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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