Raising aspirations through peer mentoring

Aims & Purpose
To develop a cascade of peer mentoring in order to overcome low aspirations and counteract the impact of cultural stereotyping about HE.

Schools Involved
Churchfields School
Dorcan Technology College
Greendown Community School
Lainesmead Primary
Nova Hreod School
Swindon Academy

Key Partners
National Mentoring & Befriending Foundation
Aimhigher West Area partnership
Swindon Town Football Club Study Centre
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Swindon Youth Empowerment Project

Background & Context
‘Limited aspirations result in limited achievement’. The Peer Mentoring project was initiated through the strategic work of the Raising Aspirations group. The group intended to address the pervasive issue of limited aspirations as an underlying cause for underachievement.
The model of the successful Aimhigher e-mentoring scheme with students from the University of Bath catalysed the idea of a cascade of peer mentoring. The Peer Mentor Co-ordinator group now has the operational leadership of the project.
The Aimhigher West Area partnership has provided additional funding through a special grant.