Okehampton College pupils receive dedicated support thanks to grant

Okehampton College in Okehampton Devon is to receive dedicated, specialist support to help improve outcomes for all children vulnerable to underachievement thanks to Achievement for All and Devonshire Freemasons.

The grant to Okehampton College is just part of a much larger grant of £240,000 which is being given by Freemasons to 53 schools in England and Wales through Achievement for All’s award-winning Achieving Schools programme.

Achievement for All is a leading not-for-profit organisation that works in partnership with early years settings, schools and colleges, improving outcomes for all children and young people regardless of their background, challenge or need.

The grant will provide subsidised access to the Achieving Schools programme, which dramatically enhances the goals and outcomes of pupils and addresses the issues faced by children and staff though four key areas: leadership, teaching and learning, wider outcomes and opportunities and parent and carer engagement. Schools that have benefited from this programme have seen a positive impact on the development of teaching, increased pupil attendance as well as improved confidence amongst pupils in their own abilities to achieve.

The grant from the Devonshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Vicky Thornton at Okehampton College said: “We are delighted to receive this support from the Devonshire Freemasons and Achievement for All.

“We are committed to providing the best education for all our pupils and are excited that we will be working with a dedicated coach to support our teachers to improve the outcomes for the children and young people in our school.”

Sonia Blandford, CEO of Achievement for All said: “The UK education system is not meeting the needs of at least one in five children and young people: the disadvantaged, vulnerable and underachieving.

“In response, Achievement for All is challenging this position with education, public and third sector partners, with the aim of helping schools, to achieve, aspire, and ensure access for all children, regardless of their background, challenge or needs.

“Investment in children is needed, the Masonic Charitable Foundation responded with a generous donation which is impacting on the lives of so many, supporting leaders and teachers, parents and carers to impact on educational outcomes and improve life chances.  Our heartfelt thanks to all involved.”

Dr. Reuben Ayres.Provincial Grand Charity Steward of the Devonshire Freemasons, said: “We are very pleased to be able to help Achievement for All with their excellent programme at Okehampton College, Developing children’s core strength and resilience can improve confidence and engage children in learning. By supporting these pupils now we can play an important part in helping them make the most of their education and developing themselves for a successful future”.