16 - 19 Programme
The ages from 16–19 are a critical transition period, particularly for young people experiencing multiple disadvantage. At this stage, many are expected to make decisions about their future with limited guidance, compared to peers who benefit from stronger family, financial, and institutional support (The Children’s Society, 2020). When alternative pathways are not actively explored, young people risk disengaging from education and employment, becoming shaped by their environment rather than shaping their future.
Without intervention, this increases exposure to poor mental health, youth violence, and exclusion from education or work (Centre for Social Justice, 2021). National data highlights only 53% of disadvantaged 19 year olds achieve a Level 3 qualification, compared to 78% of their peers (DfE, 2023). Young people facing multiple disadvantage are twice as likely to be NEET by age 18 (Impetus, 2022). Early, sustained mentoring improves mental health, reduces crime risk, and strengthens post-18 transitions (Nesta, 2021). Targeted support during further education is therefore essential to improving long term outcomes and why our 16-19 programmes exists.
Programme Purpose & Model
This programme, is a bespoke intervention embedded within FE environments. It provides intensive support to a core group of learners whilst also providing light touch pastoral support to the wider cohort of learners across identified programmes. The 16-19 programme is designed to build resilience, broaden aspirations beyond professional football, and support young people into sustainable education, employment, and training pathways.
Delivery & Support
Support is delivered through a holistic, relationship based model, including:
-
Weekly group and 1:1 sessions (every Monday)
-
Individualised care plans using goal setting and scaling tools
-
Safeguarding and risk management support and consultation for staff
-
Bespoke reward, education, and employability trips
-
Support and advocacy for young people engaging with different services
-
Post FE transition support
-
Session delivery to wider cohort
-
UCAS support
-
Light touch support provided for wider cohort
-
Parental and guardian engagement
References
Outcomes for disadvantaged pupils (Department for Education, 2023).
Double disadvantage: The barriers facing young people (Nesta, 2021).
The impact of mentoring on youth outcomes (Impetus, 2022).
Youth jobs gap report (The Children’s Society, 2020).
Contact
Want to find out more? Get in touch.
