Progress Community

Supporting young people where they are

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, 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.

How do we support our young people?

Our community teachers work with a small caseload of up to five young people, allowing for a highly personalised and responsive approach.

Support may include:

  • 1:1 mentoring
  • Mental health and wellbeing support
  • Confidence building and life skills development

Our teachers work closely with each young person to re-engage those who are hardest to reach, helping to build confidence and self-esteem so they feel comfortable interacting within their community – and, in time, possibly within an educational setting.

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 the young person, combining online learning with in-person support. Through mentoring, mental health support, and tailored learning experiences, we provide a wraparound approach that helps each young person re-engage and take steady, confident steps back towards 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.

“Transitioning from traditional teaching to community teaching has sparked a new flame in my passion and commitment to inspiring young people to achieve their potential. This initiative provides an invaluable opportunity to bridge the gap in learning for those who have struggled to engage in mainstream education. In a more flexible and supportive environment, I have found that these young people are able to express themselves openly in ways they wouldn’t normally do in a traditional classroom. Witnessing their growth, as they build confidence in their learning and personal development, has been an incredibly rewarding and satisfying experience.”

Claudio Mbai, Community Teacher

“Becoming a Community Teacher has been very rewarding. I find my weeks teaching to be varied and interesting with the ability to tailor my teaching to the interests and needs of my students. That quality time I have teaching one-to-one allows me to instantly see the difference I am making as new skills are learnt. I really enjoy the role and feel I am part of something special that puts the students first.”

Naomi Miller, Community Teacher
Being a Community Teacher has been an incredibly rewarding experience. This programme is making such a difference for children who haven’t always found the right support in their education. The hybrid approach allows us to tailor learning to their individual needs, combining face-to-face and online support to help them re-engage and build confidence. I’d definitely recommend the role—it’s so fulfilling to see the progress that students make, both academically and personally, in such a supportive environment.
Lucy Price, Community Teacher

Curriculum

At Progress Community, students study a mixed curriculum primarily focusing on Functional Skills in English and Mathematics alongside other subjects, supported by online learning platforms such as CENTURY, which allows students to learn at their own pace.

Our programme also places a strong focus on mental health, wellbeing, and life skills, ensuring 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.

School details

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.  Students also took part in the CENTURY Spring Challenge and landed in the top five globally answering a total of 4,500 questions over the month span.

Number of complaints within last academic year – 2024/2025 – 0 complaints.

Naomi Jones

Head of Community

Policies

Each of our policies is reviewed and updated each academic year to ensure that we are maintaining the highest standards across each of our schools. Each policy is available to download and view.

Each of our policies is reviewed and updated each academic year to ensure that we are maintaining the highest standards across each of our schools. Each policy is available to download and view.

How to Find Us

Progress Community, part of Progress Schools, Switch House, Bootle, L30 7PT

info@progress-schools.co.uk

01642 573919

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Accreditation and Regulatory Bodies

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