FROM ASPIRATION
TO ACHIEVEMENT

Ambition doesn't check your postcode. Opportunity shouldn't either. AA Educates is closing the gap between where young people start and what they're capable of reaching.

We support young people aged 14 to 24 from communities with limited opportunities, helping them build confidence, develop skills and gain real world experience that carries them beyond the classroom. By partnering with schools, communities and forward thinking organisations, we create genuine pathways into further education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Our flagship Shaping Futures Programme is where this mission comes to life.

 

AS SEEN ON THE BBC

"So glad to have met Andrine... amazing woman." — Deborah Meaden

BBC's One Big Thank You recognised our work helping young people believe in themselves and access opportunities that shape their futures. It was a proud moment for our team, but more importantly, a celebration of the young people at the heart of everything we do.

     

THE SHAPING FUTURES PROGRAMME

Essential Skills 12-weeks

For young people aged 14 to 24, this module builds the personal development skills that underpin everything else, resilience, self management, critical thinking, communication and adaptability, preparing students for real world challenges.

Progress is tracked on our digital platform, with three assessment points across the module so growth in essential skills is visible, not just assumed.

The module culminates in a Capstone Project, where students apply what they've learned to solve a real challenge facing their school or community, presenting their solution in the final week.

85% of students report feeling more confident handling change and challenges.

Career Skills 12-weeks

For young people aged 14 to 24, this module broadens perspectives through career workshops, mentorship and real employer engagement via our Scenario and Opportunity Hub, aligning students' talents with viable career paths and inspiring them to aim higher.

We assess students' aspirations and attitudes towards their futures before and after the module, measuring real change in outlook and motivation, not just completion.

By the end of the 12 weeks, students present a personal development plan, outlining specific steps and build a career portfolio on our digital platform to carry with them beyond the programme.

95% of students complete a comprehensive career portfolio, showcasing their growth and readiness for the job market.

SEND - Adapted Skills

For students with autism, ADHD, social, emotional and mental health needs, or other additional learning requirements, we adapt Shaping Futures to meet the same outcomes through a different route, not a lesser one.

What we deliver

  • Small group delivery, 8 to 12 students, with multi modal, scaffolded instruction
  • Sensory aware delivery, personalised support and 1:1 mentoring
  • Career exploration, adapted to each student's individual learning profile

Measurable outcomes

  • Enhanced emotional regulation
  • Greater independence and self advocacy
  • Evidence for ISI standards on pupil development (SMSC)

USING OUR 'A.B.C' APPROACH

WE ENCOURAGE THREE POTENTIAL PATHWAYS:

Apprenticeships

for students who would like to train in a career

Building a Business

for students with an entrepreneurial mindset

College or University

for students who would like to further their education

OUR FIVE ESSENTIAL SKILLS

 

25%
In 2022, 25% of students reported that they were not satisfied with their lives (OECD 2023)
48%
of teachers added that their schools do not formally discuss future careers with their students
82%
of schools felt that pupils would benefit from upskilling to expand their capabilities

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) predicts the total of unemployed young people will soon be over a million.

98%
of our students reported improved well-being attributing this to having accessible support
76,523
hours of postivite impact
77%
of our young people are confident about motivating themselves, through a shift in mindset

BUILT FOR BETTER

We believe talent shows up everywhere, but opportunity doesn't, so we built Shaping Futures to change that. It's our employability programme for young people aged 14 to 24, co-designed with those who've lived the gap we're trying to close, and delivered hand in hand with schools, colleges and local authorities across South London.

98% of students complete it. Pupil Premium eligible, so the funding conversation is already solved.

     

HOW OUR VALUES HAVE SHAPED INDIVIDUALS:

“I am grateful for the opportunities that I am given and I show appreciation”, expressed GRATITUDE.
“I keep going, even when things get tough or I face a setback”, RESILIENCE recognised.
“I know what I am capable of and I have BELIEF in myself… I am enough”, confirmed CONFIDENCE.
“I am becoming the highest, truest version of myself, filled with abundance”, affirmed AMBITION.
Patern testimonial
PETER GOODYER MBA FRSA
OUR IMPACT
PETER GOODYER MBA FRSA
Headmaster, Bede’s Independent school
“It has been a real privilege to cultivate this partnership and to welcome students to Bede's, to share with them the Bede's ethos and philosophy. Furthermore, having our colleagues volunteer to tutor and mentor has further enhanced the partnership. There is no doubt that there are numerous mutual benefits when schools work together, the diversity of experience is fundamental to our work with AA Educates and the mutual respect between our students is key to that success. It is very encouraging to be a part of this flourishing partnership which has at its heart the development of the students.”
Patern testimonial
The Elm Green School student
OUR IMPACT
The Elm Green School student
Year 10
“With the support of AA Educates, I am confident that I can develop my love of art into a career. I was given an amazing opportunity to work with a professional artist, which felt surreal. I experienced my future and it was bright!”
Patern testimonial
THAVENDRA NADARAJAH
OUR IMPACT
THAVENDRA NADARAJAH
Head of Science, The Elm Green School

“Our students hugely benefited from being on the AA Educates programme and accessed real-life experiences. We now have students who would like to pursue careers in STEM, after attending a practical day of STEM, through AA Educates.”

“I believe the programme acts as a support system for schools and parents by bridging the gap between who the students are and who they can become.”

READ MORE ABOUT HOW OUR WORK HAS MADE AN IMPACT IN SHAPING YOUNG PEOPLES FUTURES

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INVOLVED

Help us shape the next generation
and give back to your community...

872,000 16-24 year olds are not in full-time education or employment (Youth Employment UK, 2024)

Find out how you can be part of the solution.

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