Frequently Asked Questions

At AA Educates, we’re passionate about helping young people reach their full potential through education, mentorship and opportunity.
Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions from schools, partners and supporters about how our programme works, who we support and how to get involved.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@aaeducates.com or 0207 101 3290. Our team will be happy to help.

What impact does AA Educates have?

AA Educates empowers young people to build confidence, skills and opportunities for a brighter future.
Our 30-week school-based programme is designed to improve well-being and bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, particularly for students from underserved and care-experienced backgrounds.

Through mentoring, career readiness activities and essential skill development workshops, students learn to:

• Strengthen self-belief and soft skills.
• Develop positive attitudes toward learning and their future.
• Build resilience, emotional intelligence, leadership and teamwork.
• Discover career pathways and connect their talents to real-world opportunities.

We measure our impact through student feedback, teacher observations and longitudinal tracking, ensuring our work creates meaningful, lasting change. Each year, AA Educates empowers hundreds of young people to overcome barriers and move forward with greater confidence, purpose and hope.

What is the Shaping Futures Programme and how does it benefit our students?
The Shaping Futures Programme empowers young people in underserved communities to achieve their full potential and thrive beyond the school gate. Our accredited programme bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement.

How does this programme align with our school’s curriculum and career education strategy?
The programme aligns with Gatsby Benchmarks and supports the Careers Strategy and PSHE curriculum by offering real-world career insights, employer engagement and skills development. It complements existing career services and enhances students’ readiness for employment or further education.

What age groups or year groups is the programme designed for?
The programme is designed for students aged 14–19 (Years 9–13). However, we can tailor elements of the programme for younger or older students if required.

What skills and experiences will students gain from participating?
Students develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, resilience and critical thinking. They also gain exposure to various industries, enhancing their career awareness and confidence.

How does the programme support students from disadvantaged backgrounds?
The programme is particularly impactful for disadvantaged students, providing them with mentors, role models, and industry experts, as well as access to opportunities that they may not have encountered within their own networks

How is the programme structured (e.g., duration, frequency, format)?
The programme is modular, with each module running for between six weeks to 12 weeks. Sessions take place once per week for typically 2 hours and can be delivered during school hours, after school or as part of enrichment programmes.

Who delivers the sessions—are they external facilitators, teachers or industry professionals?
Sessions are delivered by a mix of qualified teachers, industry professionals and mentors. We work closely with schools to ensure the delivery aligns with student needs.

Will our teachers need to be involved, and if so, in what capacity?
Teacher involvement is minimal. We handle the delivery, but a school staff member may need to be present for trips and to attend mid-point and end-of-module meetings.

Is the programme delivered in-person, online, or through a hybrid model?
The programme is primarily delivered in-person but can be adapted for online or hybrid delivery if required.

How do you measure student engagement and progress throughout the programme?
We track student progress through attendance, engagement levels, pre and post-assessments, feedback surveys and mentor reports. Schools receive a final impact report detailing outcomes and student development.

How can my school apply to join the AA Educates programme?

Applying is simple. Schools can fill out our short online enquiry form or contact us directly at schools@aaeducates.com

Once we receive your enquiry, a member of our team will:

• Arrange a short introductory meeting to understand your school’s needs and priorities.
• Provide details about programme delivery, timelines and funding options.
• Guide you through the registration process and confirm your school’s place.

We welcome applications from Secondary schools and colleges, as well as alternative provision and special education settings. Spaces are limited each academic year due to high demand, so we encourage schools to apply early to secure their place.

Together, we can help your students build confidence, discover their potential and connect talent to opportunity.

How do we identify and select students for the programme?
We recommend working with your careers team, SENCO and pastoral staff to identify students who would benefit the most. We provide an eligibility selection guide and help with student onboarding. The main criteria for all students are that they must have received free school meals within the last three years.

What is the ideal cohort size?
Each cohort consists of up to 30 students per module. This allows for meaningful engagement and personalised support.

Can we tailor the programme to suit the specific needs of our students?
Yes! We offer flexible, customisable modules to align with school priorities and student interests. We can also tailor workshops for specific career pathways.

Do students receive any accreditation or certification upon completion?
Yes, students receive a certificate of completion, which they can add to their CVs and personal statements. The programme also provides an endorsed skills report, outlining key competencies gained.

How much does the programme cost?

Our full 30-week Shaping Futures Programme normally costs around £5,986 to deliver.
The good news is that this cost is fully funded through the generosity of our sponsors, corporate partners, foundations, local authorities, philanthropists and grants; so schools don’t have to cover the main programme fee themselves.

To take part, schools simply pay a small registration fee per student, per module. This helps us cover essential materials, administration and ongoing support to make sure every student gets the best possible experience.

Can schools use Pupil Premium or other funding streams to cover their cost?
Yes, many schools use Pupil Premium, careers funding or enrichment budgets to support student participation.

How can organisations or individuals support AA Educates?

There are several ways to help us expand our impact and reach more young people. Our programmes are made possible through the support of corporate partners, foundations, local authorities, philanthropists and individual sponsors who share our commitment to educational equity and youth empowerment.

By becoming a programme sponsor or partner, you can:

• Fund access for students from underserved or care-experienced backgrounds.
• Support specific schools or regions, helping us embed the 30-week Shaping Futures Programme where it’s needed most.
• Engage your team or organisation through volunteering, mentoring or skills-based opportunities.
• Invest in future talent, connecting young people to pathways in education, employment and personal growth.

If your organisation or foundation would like to collaborate, please get in touch at partnerships@aaeducates.com to discuss partnership options. Together, we can ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

What are the next steps if we want to proceed with embedding the programme?
The next step is for you to select 30 students. We will then arrange a follow-up meeting to support you with the selection process. Once a two-hour slot has been allocated for our programme, we will schedule a student onboarding session for the following week, after which we will begin the programme.

What is required from our school?
Schools need to provide a cohort list, a designated point of contact and a suitable space for sessions.

What support do you provide to ensure a smooth implementation?
We offer full onboarding support, including a staff briefing, student recruitment assistance, and regular check-ins to ensure smooth delivery.

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re a school interested in our programmes, a potential partner or sponsor, or simply curious about our work — our team is here to help.

📩 Email us: info@aaeducates.com

Together, we can create opportunities, open doors and empower young people to reach their full potential.