Name: Impetus
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Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are four times as likely to be excluded than their better-off peers. Only 5% of young people who sit their GCSEs in alternative provision get English and maths GCSEs, compared to 65% in state schools.

Together with The Henry Smith Charity we’re working to reduce the number of school exclusions and improve outcomes for young people in alternative provision (AP) in England.

Pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are five times as likely to get a permanent exclusion as their better-off peers. Only 5% of young people who sit their GCSEs in alternative provision (AP) get English and maths GCSEs, compared to 65% in state schools, and long-term, excluded pupils are more likely to become unemployed.

Over the course of five years, The Henry Smith Charity and Impetus will provide £4.3 million of funding and support to selected innovative organisations pioneering high-quality interventions to tackle school exclusions and create more inclusive schools. These interventions are supporting young people who are struggling to engage in mainstream education, by helping them develop essential life skills, reintegrate into school when appropriate and achieve the qualifications they need to succeed in work and life.

We have formed a coalition called Who is Losing Learning? which aims to reveal the extent of post-pandemic lost learning and its disproportionate impact on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Coalition is made up of four organisations: Impetus, think tank IPPR, charitable foundation Mission 44 and our charity partner The Difference. Together we will conduct new analysis and develop policy to tackle this urgent social justice problem.

Learn more about the portfolio partners we’re working with:

Co-op Academies Trust

Co-op Academies Trust, a group of 37 schools across the North of England prioritising high-quality internal alternative provision (IAP) in its secondary schools.

Empire Fighting Chance

Empire Fighting Chance, a leading sport for development charity, was born to fight the impact of inequality on young people’s lives. Through non-contact boxing and intensive personal support, they challenge and inspire young people to realise their unique potential.

MCR Pathways

Part of the Engage Fund. MCR Pathways is a national award-winning mentoring programme addressing educational inequality for young people in care and facing disadvantages. They support individuals from ages 10-18 to obtain improved educational outcomes, career opportunities and life chances.

Olive Academies

Part of the Engage Fund. Olive Academies Trust runs five academies in London and East England, specialising in alternative provision. They also operate an exclusion-prevention programme in mainstream schools to transform the lives of students struggling with traditional education methods.

School of Hard Knocks

Part of the Engage Fund. School of Hard Knocks empowers individuals through physical activity, social-emotional learning, and one-on-one support. Their 5Cs framework (confidence, commitment, communication, control, cohesion) fosters behavior change and genuine acceptance, helping participants find meaning and purpose.

The Difference

Part of the Engage Fund. The Difference trains future inclusive school leaders, collaborating with pupil referral units and mainstream schools nationwide. Impetus supports their four-year pilot, which tests a radical approach to transforming education for students at risk of exclusion.

The Two Counties Trust

The Two Counties Trust, a Multi Academy Trust made up of nine secondary academies educating students across the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire regions.

If you’d like to know more or partner with us on the Engage Fund please contact philanthropy@impetus.org.uk.

Engage Fund

Co-op Academies Trust

Empire Fighting Chance

MCR Pathways

Olive Academies

School of Hard Knocks

The Difference

The Two Counties Trust

Find out more

Young people suspended during secondary school are twice as likely to be out of education, employment or training by age 24

Pupils who have been suspended are around a year behind their peers by the time they take their GCSEs

Impetus launches £3m 'Engage Fund' to tackle school exclusions

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