Co-op Academies Trust Announces Partnership with Impetus to Combat School Exclusions
Co-op Academies Trust is proud to announce a new partnership with Impetus through the Engage Fund, in collaboration with The Henry Smith Charity.
This exciting collaboration aims to improve outcomes for young people at risk of school exclusion, providing tailored support to ensure they stay engaged in their education and have the best opportunities to succeed.
In addition to core funding of £100,000 per year, Co-op Academies Trust will benefit from the expertise of Impetus’ dedicated Investment Team and access to a world-class pro bono network. The partnership will enable the trust to design and implement consistent, high-quality, inclusive IAP models across its schools, helping to transform the lives of its most vulnerable students.
This partnership will enable Co-op Academies Trust to focus on their Internal Alternative Provision (IAP) model, already implemented across the Trust’s 10 secondary schools, which is built on evidence-based principles. The IAP programme aims to reintegrate students back into mainstream education by providing academic support, special educational needs services, and a continued connection to the wider school community.
"We are very excited to partner with Impetus and The Henry Smith Charity through the Engage Fund to further develop our Internal Alternative Provision (IAP) model across our secondary schools. At Co-op Academies Trust, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or challenges. This partnership will enhance the support we provide to students at risk of exclusion, ensuring they remain engaged in education and feel a sense of belonging in our school communities.”
Co-op Academy Grange and Co-op Academy Failsworth have already been identified as examples of best practice, showing promising early results in reducing exclusions and improving student outcomes.
"The long-term impact of school exclusions can be devastating, not only for the students affected but for their communities and the wider economy.
Through our partnership with Co-op Academies Trust, we are developing high-quality, inclusive interventions that will not only improve the lives of vulnerable students but also provide valuable insights into the potential of IAP as a sector-wide solution.”
This collaboration will now also serve as a learning opportunity, as the Trust and Impetus work together to create a model that can be adapted for diverse and geographically dispersed school populations. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that high-quality IAP can reduce school exclusions, keep students engaged in their education, and set them up for future success in life and work.