This charity is committed to improving the social mobility of less advantaged young people across the UK including Sussex. They believe every young person should have an equal opportunity to reach their potential at school, university and through their careers.

They deliver programmes that develop personal and employability skills and raise academic outcomes for young people aged 11-19 from under-represented backgrounds. A recent grant from the Foundation has helped fund their programme called 'Future Leaders' focusing on the areas around Hastings and Bexhill.

Their 'Future Leaders' coaching-led programme enables students to explore their education and career options. The programme is broken down in various elements, where students can explore their interests and then create, deliver and evaluate their projects. The programme also helps them develop key skills like teamwork, public speaking, & critical thinking.

A series of specialist workshops and courses allow students to explore potential career paths, experience university life. They also participate in sessions that increase their knowledge of their chosen pathway.

Talking about his participation to the programme, one of the students said:

“Cambridge University wouldn’t be on my radar without Villiers Park. Their programme has boosted my confidence massively and challenged me in helpful ways – by not making things easy, testing my limits. The practice interviews particularly made me realise I must prepare more. But rather than being scary, it’s productive. It has reduced anxiety because I know what to expect.”

Find our more about Villiers Park Educational Trust on their website.

The Reaching Potential report, the latest in the Sussex Uncovered series, highlights the challenges our county faces. It also emphasises the vital role local charities play in helping disadvantaged individuals reach their full potential.

Read the report Reaching Potential.