Meet RC

Please select a donation amount (required)

£5 Provides life-changing support, opening doors to education, inclusion, and opportunity for the young people who need it most.

£10 Allows us to provide a young person with learning disabilities their first experience of a fun and inclusive social club.

£20 Enables us to provide food for young people during our sessions, giving them access to a balanced diet.

£30 Ensures a young person can travel to our Alternative Learning Hub to access their education.

£50 Provides a week of sports activities for a young person, helping them to build confidence and friendships.

Other

Set up a regular payment Donate

Meet R, who first joined Engage in January 2026, when school had become a place of frustration rather than opportunity.

A student at a secondary school in Wiltshire, R faced daily challenges with social communication and emotional regulation that often left him feeling isolated and misunderstood. He interpreted language very literally, making it difficult to recognise sarcasm, humour or indirect communication. Innocent comments from classmates or teachers could be perceived as criticism, leading to conflict and increasing his anxiety in school.

When emotions became overwhelming, R found it difficult to regulate them. Moments of distress could quickly escalate into shouting, crying or, at times, physical outbursts, making it challenging for him to remain in lessons and access learning. Unstructured times such as break and lunchtime were particularly difficult, often resulting in misunderstandings with peers and further affecting his confidence and relationships.

The impact on his education was significant. Between September and the end of November 2025, R received 11 days of external suspension, and his attendance fell to 86.2%, well below the national average of 91.6%. Missing school meant missing valuable opportunities to learn, build friendships and develop positive routines, leaving him increasingly disconnected from education.

From January 2026, R began attending Engage. Working alongside trusted mentors, he was supported through consistent relationships, clear communication strategies and structured experiences designed to help him better understand emotions, build regulation skills and re-engage positively with school life. Rather than focusing solely on behaviour, the approach centred on understanding R as an individual and creating the conditions for him to succeed.

The changes in school life that followed have been clear.

Since engaging with Bath Rugby Foundation, and following the start of 2026, R has had no external suspensions. His attendance has also increased from 86.2% to 93.5%, now placing him above the national average and reflecting a stronger and more consistent engagement with education.

While it is not possible to attribute this change to a single factor, school staff have noted a clear improvement in R’s behaviour and engagement during the same period he has been attending Engage, suggesting the support has played a meaningful role in his progress.

His development is also reflected in the school’s reward system. R has earned 270 reward points this year, compared to the school average of 244. For R, this represents hundreds of positive decisions, moments of resilience and recognition from staff for the progress he is making day to day.

Teachers have also observed a noticeable shift. R is remaining in lessons for longer, showing greater resilience when faced with challenges and engaging more positively with both staff and peers. Rather than reacting impulsively, he is beginning to pause, communicate more effectively and use the strategies developed through Engage to regulate his emotions.

Away from the classroom, Engage has provided opportunities that have transformed R’s confidence and aspirations.

One of his proudest moments came when he was selected as a flag bearer at Bath Rugby’s Foundation Day fixture against Newcastle Falcons, giving him the chance to be part of a professional matchday experience in front of thousands of supporters. He also represented Bath Rugby Foundation in his first-ever touch rugby match at Allianz Stadium ahead of the Gallagher Premiership Final, an experience that challenged him to work as part of a team, build new friendships and discover a genuine passion for rugby.

These experiences have inspired R to continue his rugby journey beyond Engage by joining a local community club. Bath Rugby Foundation is now supporting both R and his family to make that transition, ensuring the confidence and resilience he has developed continues long after his time with us.

R’s story is one of many demonstrating how the right support, positive role models and meaningful opportunities can change a young person’s future. Across Engage, young people who arrive disengaged from education are beginning to reconnect with school in a matter of weeks.

On average, students on Engage increase attendance to 92–94%, bringing them back in line with or above the national average. Schools also report a 25% improvement in positive behaviour, alongside a 36% increase in positive learning behaviours, including staying in lessons, managing conflict, sustaining focus and engaging positively with staff and peers. Punctuality also improves, with more young people arriving at school ready to learn.

Taken together, this shows how early intervention can make a rapid difference. After just a small number of sessions, Engage is helping young people rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships and re-engage with education in a way that lasts beyond Engage itself.

For more information on Engage, please contact our Schools Reengagement Manager, Alex.