GAP Forward
Every young person deserves a way forward.
GAP Forward is our proposed educational support and personal development programme for young people aged 11–16 who experience barriers to learning, engagement or achievement.
Our ambition is to help young people rediscover confidence, develop skills and explore positive pathways, through an approach that recognises their strengths and individual needs.
In development. GAP Forward is not currently accepting referrals.
Who GAP Forward aims to support
Young people aged 11–16 who would benefit from additional educational, developmental or mentoring support. Young people struggle in mainstream education for many reasons, including additional learning needs, social and emotional challenges, educational disadvantage, disrupted attendance or experience of exclusion.
Eligibility and referral arrangements will be set for each pilot before it begins.
Learning support and academic confidence
Targeted support in English, mathematics, study skills and learning strategies, informed by each young person's starting point.
Mentoring and positive relationships
Supportive mentoring conversations, personal goal-setting and opportunities to build confidence and trusted relationships.
Emotional wellbeing and self-regulation
Age-appropriate activities exploring emotional awareness, communication, coping strategies and help-seeking.
Life skills and personal development
Practical learning around decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience and preparing for future opportunities.
Careers education and future pathways
An introduction to careers, aspirations, individual strengths, further education, vocational routes and the skills needed for future transitions.
An illustrative weekly session
- 1Welcome and wellbeing check-in
- 2Targeted learning or academic support
- 3Mentoring or personal development activity
- 4Reflection, goal-setting and next steps
We propose starting with one small cohort, subject to funding and appropriate staffing. Individual learning goals would be set according to assessed needs and the scope of the pilot.
Working with parents, carers, schools and professionals
Where appropriate and with suitable permissions, GAP Forward would work with parents, carers, schools and other relevant professionals. We aim to complement existing education, not duplicate statutory responsibilities.
Safeguarding, referrals and programme boundaries
Before accepting any referrals, GAP Education will put in place safeguarding procedures, recruitment checks, competent staff, insurance, supervision and risk assessments.
Any provision involving school-time attendance, alternative provision placements or other regulated educational activity will need separate assessment of the legal, commissioning and operational requirements.
GAP Forward is not a registered school, a commissioned alternative provision provider or an active referral service.
Intended outcomes and evaluation
We aim to improve learning confidence, engagement, communication, personal development and understanding of future pathways.
We propose using initial needs assessments, individual learning goals, attendance records, learner feedback, progress reviews and feedback from families or referring professionals. Read about our approach.
Future partnership opportunities
Schools, professionals and organisations interested in working with us as GAP Forward develops are welcome to get in touch.