Community based pastoral support with online learning
Transforming how we reach and re-engage young people by rebuilding confidence, reigniting learning, and unlocking pathways to meaningful futures
Online learning with wrap-around face-to-face support
Progress Community is a transformative education programme, powered by Progress Schools, that supports young people across England who are disengaged from education. We offer a holistic solution that includes access to online learning with subject-specific teachers, as well as delivery of high-quality, personalised pastoral support for young people in Key Stages 3 and 4, and their families, who face barriers to accessing education.
Our approach is flexible and centred around each individual. We bring the classroom to the young person, meeting them where they’re at, offering individualised support with the ultimate goal of removing barriers to education and life. For some, this may start with rebuilding their confidence to leave home, before gradually supporting them to re-engage with learning. Subsequently enabling them to gain recognised academic qualifications alongside the skills they need for a positive, independent future.
In the past academic year, we have supported a cohort of 47 community students to achieve GCSEs
Learning is re-introduced in a safe, supportive way. Our dedicated Community Teachers bring education directly to each young person, combining high-quality online learning with consistent in-person support.
Students receive 18 hours per week of lessons delivered by subject-specialist online teachers, alongside an additional 9 hours of supported self-study and one-to-one time with their Community Teacher, guided by our BravEd programme.
Through mentoring, mental health support, and personalised learning experiences, we provide a wraparound approach that supports the whole young person. This helps them re-engage with learning and take steady, confident steps back into education.
Our Support
Progress Community offers young people who are not currently in education a registered place on a school roll, providing an important first step back into learning.
Our aim is to support young people back into education in a way that works for them – whether that’s continuing with the Progress Community programme to complete qualifications, moving into alternative provision such as Progress Schools, or returning to a mainstream school – whichever option gives them the best chance to achieve their goals and thrive.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach at Progress Community. We take the time to really get to know each young person, understand their challenges and strengths, and shape our support around what they need to succeed.
“My son’s teacher has taken the time to listen and understand him – she’s a pleasure. She helped him prepare for his GCSEs and supported his college application. He feels comfortable with her, appreciates that she doesn’t judge, and always tries to help. She is a credit to the team.”
“Our community teacher has been a godsend! So lovely, patient, caring, and understanding. My child can learn from home, which was always a struggle before.”
Curriculum
At Progress Community, students follow a blended curriculum primarily focused on achieving GCSEs in English and Mathematics, alongside a range of other subjects. Lessons are delivered online by qualified, subject-specialist teachers through our virtual classroom, using VEDAMO. Students can access their timetables, learning resources and lessons through our hub on CYPHER Learning, supporting the delivery of the core 18 guided learning hours each week.
In addition to this, students receive a further 9 hours of structured time, which can be used for supported self-study or targeted sessions with their Community Teacher. Self-study is enhanced through online learning platforms such as CENTURY, allowing students to learn at their own pace and focus on areas where they need the most support.
During the 24/25 academic year, community students completed over 26,500 questions on CENTURY and ranked in 5th worldwide in the CENTURY Spring Challenge.
Alongside academic learning, we have developed BravEd, our bespoke personal development programme that brings together PSHE, RSE, health, and wellbeing. BravEd is designed to support the whole student, with a strong focus on mental health, emotional wellbeing, and essential life skills.
BravEd
B – Belonging and Kindness R – Resilience and Self-regulation A – Agency and Purpose V – Voice E – Empathy and Integrity D – Digital Wisdom
Through BravEd, students develop the confidence, resilience, and coping strategies they need to succeed both in education and in life.
We believe every young person should have the opportunity to achieve nationally recognised qualifications and gain essential life skills. For those who need extra support or accreditation, we provide additional qualifications to aid progression – but we never limit the chance for students to sit Year 11 terminal exams if they are ready and able to do so.
Key details
Head of Community: Naomi Jones
Statement of qualifications: Progress Community offer a variety of qualifications to students. In academic year 2024/2025, we supported 47 formerly disengaged/ NEET young people to complete their GCSE exams.
Number of complaints within last academic year – 2024/2025 – 0 complaints.
Charlotte Barton
Divisional CEO – Progress Education
Chair of Proprietor
Paula Thompson
Chief Operating Officer – Progress Education (Future Pathways)
Policies
How to find us
Progress Community, part of Progress Schools, Switch House, Bootle, L30 7PT
0151 559 1867
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