Working nationwide, the programme supports young people from under-served communities to develop their life and leadership skills. Students from Year 9/S3 identified by schools as benefiting from additional support to build confidence, resilience and aspiration will embark on a two-year journey.
Through mentoring from inspirational Athlete Mentors and school staff, young people are encouraged to develop valuable employability skills alongside helping to develop their confidence and self-belief. The programme creates opportunities for participants to challenge themselves, build positive relationships and feel more engaged in their education and future pathways.
Young people will put their skills into practice through a social action project and leading others. By making a meaningful difference within their communities, participants develop a tangible sense of achievement and a stronger belief in their own potential.
How it Works
Schools commit to a three-year journey, working with two cohorts of pupils to provide sustained support and create long-term impact.
1. Identify young people
Schools select pupils in Year 9 who would benefit most from the programme, focusing on those at risk of not fulfilling their full potential.
2. Begin the mentoring journey
Young people take part in mentoring sessions led by inspirational athlete mentors and members of school staff; these sessions develop key skills, build confidence, resilience and raise aspirations.
3. Develop skills through sport
Participants explore leadership in sport and begin developing practical life and employability skills that can support them in education and beyond.
4. Put learning into action
Young people put their skills in to practice through sport, social action and leading others, helping them take ownership, work with others and influence issues that matter to them.
5. Build impact over time
Schools support two cohorts across three academic years, allowing the programme to create deeper engagement and more lasting change.
Impact and Benefits
Set for Success supports young people from under-served communities to build confidence, life and employability skills and aspirations through sport and mentoring sessions from inspirational athlete mentors and teachers.
Following a successful pilot in 2020-2023, Set for Success continues to be delivered across 2023-2027, with the aim of reaching 150 schools across the UK and engaging 3,900 young people.
To date, the programme has demonstrated considerable impact. During the 2024/25 academic year:
- 92% of young people reported improvements in at least one of three key employability skills: teamwork, communication and leadership
- 82% of young people know more about how their skills can help them in the future
- 75% of young people reported feeling more connected to other people
- 59% of young people said Set for Success had helped them feel more motivated about learning in school
- 77% of teachers reported improved attendance among participating young people.
What schools said
95% of teachers said that Set for Success helped them feel more competent in supporting young people at risk of not achieving their full potential.
Case Studies
Jason’s story: Developing skills to support success at school
Before joining Set for Success in 2023, Jason was experiencing challenges in school, including poor behaviour, truancy and a negative attitude towards learning. Through the programme, he developed a range of skills including problem solving, communication, leadership and social skills, which he began applying in everyday school life.
As Jason’s confidence and skills developed, his behaviour and attitude also improved. He became more willing to try new things and developed into a strong leader within school activities.
“Jason has taken those skills he has learnt from Set for Success into his everyday school life and sporting activities. All the social skills, problem solving, communication and leadership activities have helped develop Jason’s skill set. We have seen a massive change in Jason.”
Teacher
Olivia’s story: Improving attendance and engagement
Olivia loved sport but had struggled to enjoy school. Due to dyslexia, she found learning challenging, lacked confidence in her school work and felt disconnected from teachers and peers. In Year 8/S2, Olivia became a school refuser and her attendance fell to 75%.
After joining Set for Success, Olivia began returning to school to take part in the programme. During Year 9, her attendance increased to 84% - an improvement of nine percentage points compared with the previous year. Since completing the programme, her attendance has continued to improve.
Set for Success helped Olivia develop stronger relationships with school staff and peers, improving both her confidence and her overall experience of school.
“Set for Success definitely helped her to go to school more.”
Parent
Ways to Access
We are currently seeking secondary schools or secondary level education providers (e.g. special schools, alternative provision schools, Pupil Referral Units) to take part in the programme.
To participate you must be based in one of the following areas of the UK: Scarborough, City of Liverpool, Nottingham, Bodmin, St Austell & The Clays (Cornwall), Brent, Thanet, Cardiff, West Dunbartonshire.
The programme is delivered over a three-year period. Any schools registering interest will need to be prepared and have capacity to deliver the programme between September 2026 and July 2029.
Please read the programme guidance document for more information.
The deadline to register your interest is Tuesday 30 June 2026.
Why it Matters
Too many young people are at risk of not fulfilling their potential, with growing numbers facing barriers to education, employment and training.
Between October and December 2025, 12.8% of young people aged 16–24 were not in education, employment or training (NEET). This continuing upward trend reflects increasing societal pressures, the cost-of-living crisis and the lasting impact of the pandemic.
Without targeted support, many young people are more likely to disengage from education and miss opportunities to develop the skills, confidence and aspirations needed for their future.
Set for Success responds by using the power of sport and mentoring to help re-engage young people in learning. Through athlete mentor-led sessions, active learning and real-world application, the programme supports participants to build essential life and employability skills, strengthen their connection to school, and develop the confidence and resilience needed to succeed.
For further insight, explore the Set for Success evaluation reports.
Get in touch
Ready to bring Set for Success to your school? Contact Izzy Perry, Programme Manager - Set for Success.
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