£2.7 million initiative to benefit Hartlepool children

A North East town is set to benefit from “game-changing” education funding.

Hartlepool’s children are set to benefit from a £2.7 million investment designed to raise aspirations, improve attainment and break down barriers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

The John Armitage Charitable Trust (JACT) is funding the initiative, bringing together three leading education charities – IntoUniversity, SHINE and the Tutor Trust – under one coordinated programme.

Officials say the funding will create a new IntoUniversity learning centre in Hartlepool town centre, supporting 7-18-year-olds with after-school academic support, mentoring, in-school workshops and enrichment opportunities, staffed by four full-time employees.

Dr Rachel Carr OBE, chief executive and founder of IntoUniversity, said: “We’re really excited to be opening a new centre in Hartlepool. 

“This is a unique collaboration which sees the Trust making a massive investment in three unique but complementary programmes of support designed to transform outcomes and opportunities for young people in Hartlepool.

“We’re looking forward to starting to work with young people in the town, their families, schools and the local community to build on the work already being done by our partners at SHINE and the Tutor Trust.

“Young people in Hartlepool have heaps of potential and we’re confident that this investment in their future will go a long way towards helping them realise this potential.” 

SHINE will deliver Hartlepool Reads, a project that will work directly with 20 primary and secondary schools to strengthen literacy skills, helping children fully access the wider curriculum. 

Meanwhile, the Tutor Trust will provide targeted English and maths tuition in 20 schools, with tutors also acting as role models to boost engagement and confidence. 

Fiona Spellman, chief executive of SHINE, added: “We are excited to be working alongside partner charities on projects that will each break down barriers to learning.

“Our conversations with schools show that reading is a key priority, and we are determined to give children across Hartlepool the strong literacy skills they need to unlock a successful future.”

Ed Marsh, chief executive of the Tutor Trust, added: “The Tutor Trust was founded to provide life changing tuition based on need rather than ability to pay. 

“We are a proudly northern charity, and it is incredibly exciting to be expanding our work into Hartlepool.

“Now more than ever it is important that young people who can benefit from small group tuition have the chance to receive it, and we are delighted to be working with schools to provide it.”

530 primary school pupils have already benefited from tuition programmes, with headteachers highlighting the positive impact on classroom learning.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →