The London Challenge
Helping to transform under-performing secondary schools in London.

In 2003 Hanover was selected as a key partner in the Government’s London Challenge.  In this programme the DfES aims to "address very individual issues including those of boys and under performing ethnic minority groups, pressures on behaviour and low aspirations".

The 70 schools selected for the London Challenge are in socially deprived areas where young people live with challenging personal circumstances, creating pressures that prevent them from achieving the best possible academic and personal performance.

Hanover’s London Challenge coaching programme is designed to help young people look at what limits them and take their own initiative towards moving past those barriers towards success. 

We let these young people know that we coach them because we believe they have potential, not because there is anything wrong with them.

Excellent results meant the initial 1-year programme was extended for a further 3 years, with a significant increase in schools involved. 
     
  Research by Barnardos ("We can work it out" 2001) suggests that between 10% and 20% of school age children suffer from social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, and that the prevalence of problems reaches its peak in adolescent years.  
     

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In selected London Challenge schools, professional Hanover coaches works with up to 180 pupils during the course of a year.  Each young person has a series of workshop and individual sessions that focus on:

  • Personal strategies – for lessons, projects and exams

  • Personal development – in behaviour and demeanour

    • Specific Objectives of the Hanover Programme in London Challenge Schools are to:

  • increase levels of participation and achievement in education by young people in London schools through improving personal and social skills, building self-confidence and self-esteem

  • raise levels of aspiration amongst young people in London schools, addressing the cycle of deprivation prevalent in many of the most disadvantaged communities

  • introduce strategic goal setting and planning skills to enable young people to take control of their own lives and put in the place the essential steps for a positive future
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    Where we differ from many other interventions is that we draw on the business model for coaching, where coaching is for the successful to build on their success. On that basis we present our programmes as being for people with potential."
    Serena Standing, Chief Executive
    		  
         

    Results

    Improvements in participation, aspiration and skills inevitably lead to increased self-esteem and confidence, which in turn leads to higher achievement. Progress is monitored and evaluated.

    Below are some recent results from a London Challenge school’s own study of our impact:

  • 70% of pupils who had behavioural problems in Year 10 did not have them raised in Year 11

  • 30% average increase in school attendance

  • 70% of pupil clients selected to go on to further education

  • 55% of the sample gained one or more GCSEs at a higher grade than predicted (compared to 4% of the control group)