Sheffield Hallam University today (Thursday 12 February) hosted the South Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Conference to address significant educational barriers faced by boys and young men on free school meals (FSM).
These include lower educational readiness and attainment, reduced participation in higher education with greater likelihood of dropping out, and less progression to top universities.
Evidence from the Department for Education on GCSE attainment in 2023/24 shows that in England just 24% of males who were eligible for FSM attained a grade 9-5 in GCSE maths and English, compared with 43% who were not.
In terms of progression to university, in 2022/23, less than 17% of White British, and White and Black Caribbean young men who were eligible for free school meals progressed into higher education by the age of 19. For those who were not, both percentages more than double.
The conference explored pressing issues including masculinity, mental health and the influence of the ‘manosphere’ on young men. Experts also shared best practice and approaches that are making a real difference in schools and communities across the country.
Meaningful change
Award-winning film producer Mark Herbert, Executive Producer of hit Netflix series Adolescence and CEO of Sheffield-based Warp Films, also shared a video message with conference attendees.
Mark, who is a Sheffield Hallam University film studies graduate, said: “I was born in Doncaster and grew up in Conisbrough during the miners’ strike. I’m not from a wealthy background at all and when I was growing up it seemed impossible to have this career.
“One of the things I want to do now is communicate that there are possibilities, it’s tough but there are ways and means and we’re trying to do it here at Warp to give people an opportunity to see what it’s like and show that you don’t need a lot of money behind you. If I can do it, so can other people.”
In the video, Mark also explained how shocked the creative team were when researching Adolescence.
“We immersed ourselves in what was influencing young boys and did a deep dive online. We were really alarmed by some of the stuff that’s available. There’s no age restriction on it, even if there is it’s very easy to bypass. You can go from searching for something to do with gyms and protein shakes and within three clicks you’re in a rabbit hole and faced with some pretty awful, toxic masculine posts.
“What’s been amazing since we made Adolescence, is that it’s encouraged parents to have a chat with their kids, their sons about what they were looking at online. Hopefully, what we’ve done with Adolescence is create an opportunity for people to be aware of what could be going on and encourage people to talk.”
The South Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub was also formally launched during the conference. The Hub, led by Sheffield Hallam University, will bring together experts, educators, policy makers and community leaders to address the challenge, building a network of professionals committed to supporting boys and young men across South Yorkshire.
Concrete steps
Professor David Shepherd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We are pleased to be able to bring together experts, educators and policymakers to help to address this significant educational challenge facing our region. Together we're taking concrete steps to ensure every young person in South Yorkshire has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their background.
“As a university firmly rooted in the region, we see it is part of our core purpose to have a positive impact on the diverse communities we serve, helping to build a stronger, more prosperous future for all."
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The attainment gap for boys on free school meals isn’t just a statistic – it represents thousands of young men in our region who are being kept from reaching their full potential.
“I’m determined that South Yorkshire will be a place where everyone can stay near and go far. The opportunities you can access should only ever be limited only by your ambition.
“By sharing knowledge and learning what works, we can create real change for young people across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and rebuild the pride, purpose and prosperity of South Yorkshire.”
One of the key speakers at the event was Dr Alex Blower, founder of the Boys’ Impact movement and a leading voice in national conversations relating to masculinity, education, inequality and access to higher education.
Dr Blower said: “This conference is an important moment for South Yorkshire. By bringing together educators, researchers, and policymakers from across the region, the South Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub is creating the conditions for meaningful, collaborative change. Boys’ Impact is built on a shared understanding which recognises the enormous potential of working‑class boys and young men despite the challenges they face. This event represents the first step on a vital journey. Movement toward a future where we create the opportunities for these young men to flourish.”
