FROM ASPIRATION TO ACHIEVEMENT

AA Educates seeks to empower students to thrive within and beyond the school environment through our accredited, award-winning programme. Our mission is to ensure that all students, regardless of background or socio-economic status, have the tools, support and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

The Shaping Futures Programme is our flagship offering, supporting students to build essential life and career skills while fostering self-confidence and motivation.

 

WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE?

OUR IMPACT - GLADESMORE SECONDARY SCHOOL

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OUR FOUNDERS STORY

“I deeply understand the challenges faced by underserved communities because I have lived it.

By the age of three, I had already experienced significant change—moving from Jamaica to the U.K. My family settled in Lambeth, the 9th most deprived borough in London, where a third of families with children receive benefits. Growing up, deprivation and disadvantage became my norms.

However, at the age of 16, everything changed for me when my friend ended his life due to his fear of the future and inability to cope with a life that I mistakenly thought was perfectly normal. His tragic end ignited my mission to make a difference, to make a change. I became the first in my family to attend university, qualified as a teacher and dedicated my career to changing foregone conclusions for students like my friend."

After a long and committed teaching career, I transitioned to become a social entrepreneur. I founded AA Educates, a personal development programme designed to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement for underserved young people, who show early signs of low aspirations and underachievement.

My philosophy is rooted in empathy, resilience and empowerment. I believe in meeting students where they are, understanding their unique challenges and providing the support and resources they need to aspire and achieve.”

 

THE PROGRAMME MODULES

The Essential Skills Module (12-weeks)

Focuses on personal development, resilience, and self-management. Students build critical thinking, communication, and adaptability skills, preparing them for real-world challenges.

Ideal for students aged 14-16

Students are assessed three times during this module on their development and strengthening of essential skills, through a digital skill builder tracking and reporting system.

Throughout the 12 weeks, students work on a capstone project where they apply what they have learned to solve a real-world problem in their community or school. This project is presented in the final week.

Goal completion: 85% of students report feeling more confident in handling changes and challenges.

The Career Skills Module (12-weeks)

Broadens students' perspectives with career workshops, workplace visits, and mentorship. This aligns students' talents with viable career paths, inspiring them to aim higher.

Designed for students aged 16-18

We assess students' aspirations and attitudes towards their futures before and after the module to measure changes in their outlook and motivation.

By the end of the 12 weeks, students present their personal development plans and outline specific steps for their post-school journey.

Goal completion: 95% of students complete a comprehensive career portfolio, showcasing their growth and preparedness for the job market.

The Beyond School Module (6-weeks)

Guides students in creating actionable post-programme plans, whether for higher education, entrepreneurship, or entering the workforce. This ensures each student leaves with a clear vision for their future.

Perfect for students aged 16-19

We measure long-term impact and personal growth, ensuring that our efforts are making a sustained and meaningful difference.

Over the course of the 6 weeks, students work on a Career Portfolio that includes:
• A well-crafted CV
• A professional online profile
• A personal statement or cover letter
• A reviewed mock interview performance

Goal completion: 80% of students create clear, actionable post-school plans by the end of the module.

USING OUR 'A.B.C' APPROACH

WE ENCOURAGE THREE POTENIAL PATHWAYS AND DEVELOP FIVE ESSTENTIAL SKILLS:

Attending a University

for students interested in mastering education and gaining the highest qualifications

Building a Business

for students with an entrepreneurial mindset, dreaming of owning their own company

Creating a Career

for students with a passion or natural talent that they would like to nurture into a career

 

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

SHAPING FUTURES

The Shaping Futures Programme is integrated into state schools, perfectly designed for students aged 14-19 who receive free school meals. The Programme is structured around three core modules. These modules equip students with the tools they need to transition confidently into the next stage of their lives, fostering ambition, belief and clarity.

Class teachers have noted that students participating in the programme demonstrate improved behaviour and engagement, contributing to a more positive and enriching school experience. We offer our programme to schools 100% subsided with support from grants, donations and sponsorships.

     

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.”

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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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