Engage celebrates first full year supporting young people back into education

Over the past year, Engage has helped vulnerable young people, aged 9-13, rebuild confidence, reconnect with education and take positive steps towards their futures.

Launched in May 2025, Engage was created in response to a growing need among young people who were struggling to access mainstream education due to anxiety, school avoidance, emotional challenges or repeated exclusions.

As the second step on our pathway of support, Engage provides early intervention for young people who are at risk of becoming further disengaged from education. Through dedicated hubs in Bath, Trowbridge and Midsomer Norton, young people receive personalised support from experienced staff through mentoring, sport and enrichment activities in a safe and supportive environment.

By working with young people at an earlier stage, Engage aims to rebuild trust, confidence and resilience, helping them develop the skills they need to successfully return to mainstream learning.

Developing Engage this year has been instrumental in supporting children and young people across our communities. Through hubs in Midsomer Norton, Bath, and Trowbridge, we have helped reconnect many with education before they became further disengaged. While our first year has brought challenges, I am incredibly proud of our young people’s resilience and determination, and grateful to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and partners for their unwavering commitment.

Since launching, Engage has supported 31 young people who had become disengaged from education, helping them move back towards mainstream schooling through targeted intervention, one-to-one mentoring and enriching learning experiences.

The impact has been significant:

After just ten sessions, 86.5% of young people who previously had poor attendance improved their attendance to within 1% of the national average.
Some young people increased their attendance to over 93%.
Engagement during active learning sessions improved by 36%.
One young person at significant risk of permanent exclusion reduced external suspensions from 11 to zero following intervention.

Alongside improvements in attendance and behaviour, Engage has helped young people develop confidence, emotional regulation and stronger relationships with peers and trusted adults.

For Joanne, Assistant Headteacher and SENCo at Beechen Cliff, the impact has been clear:

Engage has had a genuinely positive impact on two previously disengaged and disenchanted Year 9 students. Their attendance has improved significantly, both at the provision and in school. There has also been a clear increase in their self-confidence and self-esteem; they appear more secure, more willing to participate, and better able to engage with academic challenges back in school - something that was a real challenge before Engage.

Communication from the provision has been clear, effective and timely, ensuring strong collaboration with both school staff and the families of the pupils. Safeguarding systems are robust, with clear procedures and prompt information sharing. Overall, Engage is providing a structured and supportive environment that is making a meaningful difference to these students both in and out of school.

The first year of Engage has demonstrated the importance of early intervention and providing support that is tailored to each young person’s individual needs.

By listening to young people, working closely with schools and adapting support where needed, Bath Rugby Foundation is helping more children and young people overcome barriers to education and build the confidence, resilience and skills needed for the future.

The programme is now moving towards long-term sustainability, allowing Engage to continue supporting more young people and expand into communities where the need is greatest.

This progress has only been possible thanks to the commitment of our supporters, partners, staff and volunteers who believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Speak to our Schools Reengagement Manager to find out more.

Email Alex

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Provides life-changing support, opening doors to education, inclusion, and opportunity for the young people who need it most.

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Allows us to provide a young person with learning disabilities their first experience of a fun and inclusive social club.

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Enables us to provide food for young people during our sessions, giving them access to a balanced diet.

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Provides a week of sports activities for a young person, helping them to build confidence and friendships.

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Engage celebrates first full year supporting young people back into education

Over the past year, Engage has helped vulnerable young people rebuild confidence, reconnect with education and take positive steps towards their futures.
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