Upward Bound project sees Islington pupils receive grades well above national average
Date: 12 September 2013
A novel project run by London Metropolitan University and Islington Council has helped local schoolchildren significantly improve their GCSE grades.
Pupils who were expected to receive grade D in their Maths and English GCSEs were invited to take part in the Upward Bound programme, and went on to gain results well above the national average.
91% of the pupils received grades A*-C in English, compared to the national average of 64%. In Maths, 88% of the students received grades A*-C compared to 57% nationally.
Upward Bound, run by London Met in partnership with Islington Council, offers an alternative model of teaching to 100 pupils from the borough during their last two years of school. The students visit the University’s Holloway campus on weekends to receive expert teaching of core subjects in higher education facilities. The project also seeks to raise the pupils’ aspirations as they gain their first experience of university life.
“We are delighted with the results, they are our best ever,” said Sophie Cloutterbuck, Head of Schools, Colleges and Widening Participation at London Met. “It is fantastic that Upward Bound can work in partnership with our local schools to ensure students can fulfil their potential.
“The project raises the attainment and aspirations of its participants. We currently have 15 ex-Upward Bound pupils studying with us who are now employed as London Metropolitan University Student Ambassadors. They are giving back to the project and local community.”
Students on the Upward Bound project are drawn from all eight secondary schools in Islington. The programme works closely with the schools to ensure pupils receive maximum benefit from their participation.
The project is testament to London Metropolitan University’s community focus and commitment to making quality education available to all.
Find out more about London Met’s Widening Participation activities.
