• London Challenge

London's strength depends more than ever on its education system. Just as London is determined to be a world leader in other areas, so, through a unified effort, London can be established as a leader in education, a world class city for learning and creativity. That means a secondary education system that is not merely good, but excellent. That ambition is the starting point for the London Challenge, a 5-year programme launched by the Department for Education & Skills in 2003. The London Challenge is a partnership of those committed to providing a better future for the young people of London. There is much going on in the education system in London. If the very best of what is happening now in London's schools can become the norm; if all London's resources and communities are fully engaged in the task of raising standards - then the ambition can be realised. Our Programmes work with young people in several environments. 'Coaching for Success' is Youth at Risk's transformational education programme. As part of London Challenge it aims to deliver a specifically adapted version of this programme to 40 London schools.

By working with the staff and pupils in these key schools we will pilot a project aimed at impacting the pupils currently considered to be underachieving most drastically. We know from experience that our work makes the biggest difference with those who have something significant at-stake - those who feel completely resigned, alienated and unsupported.

In each school the programme works with 5 school staff, up to 30 pupils and up to 30 local volunteers with the aim of improving behaviour, raising achievement and increasing self-confidence. Pupils are selected by school staff according to the criteria that they are not currently reaching potential. Perhaps they are struggling to relate to teachers, demonstrating antisocial behaviour or lacking in self-confidence. The staff team are selected based on their involvement with the cohort of pupils and often includes their Head of Year and pastoral staff.

The programme begins with 2 days of intensive training for school staff. This training is an opportunity for them to develop their own skills and take on alternative approaches in relating to their pupils as well as effectively setting up their role in delivering the programme.

Pupils undergo 2½ days of intensive personal development training in the key areas of Responsibility, Possibility and Relationship. They then go on to receive follow-up training every 8 weeks, including 'Buddy' training to mentor younger pupils in the school.

Local volunteers receive 2½ days intensive training to take on the skills to coach the pupil participants. They will then be matched to pupils about 6 months into the programme and attend the school for coaching sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis.