As a nation, one of the most pressing challenges we face in education are the outcomes and progression of young men who are eligible for Free School Meals, South Yorkshire is no exception with some of the highest rates of students on FSM and lowest rates of progression to Higher Education in the country.
In South Yorkshire the progression rate for our young men on Free School Meals is 19.5% (23% nationally) compared to 39% (43% nationally) for students who are not eligible for FSM. This 20-point difference highlights the severity of the problem.
Our region is complex and includes some of the poorest and the most affluent neighbourhoods in the country.
It has been shown that education is linked to better outcomes, better living conditions, longer lives and higher reported levels of happiness.
Together we are stronger, and we want to bring together those working to improve outcomes for these young boys and men as we try to have a positive impact on those in the region. We are a university rooted in it's community and we want to do what we can to support.
We have convened a regional hub to bring together key stakeholders who work in related fields, including representatives from senior staff in local schools and colleges, local councils, South Yorkshire combined mayoral authority, charity and third sector organisations and both universities.
The purpose of convening this group is to address the gap in educational outcomes for boys and young men who
receive Free School Meals within South Yorkshire.
This hub fits into a wider national movement, Boys Impact. To learn about upcoming events, to join, or for more information about the programme, contact us at access@shu.ac.uk or call us on 0114 225 4777.
