Holly had found high school challenging, particularly when faced with larger classes that often felt overwhelming and made it difficult for her to settle. She struggled to regulate her emotions, and her frequent outbursts impacted her relationships throughout her school life. As a result, Holly’s attendance continued to decline each year, which had a direct knock-on effect on her self-esteem and confidence.

Requiring extra support and attention during school hours to navigate these challenges, Holly became part of Pencoedtre's Key Stage 4 Hwb, allowing her to study core lessons and access life-skill workshops in a smaller setting. This and the addition of Cardiff City FC Community Foundation's Premier league Inspires programme has collaboratively created a safe space for her to be completely herself, and work confidently at her own pace.

Premier League Inspires is a personal development programme, funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation. The project empowers participants to develop personal, social, employability and life skills, through a series of regular face-to-face group sessions, mentoring, workshops and social-action projects, providing pupils with the help they need and supporting them to plan for their future.

Holly's Premier League Inspires tutor, Mathew, has worked closely with Holly to adapt sessions to suit her strengths and to help boost her concentration. Mathew, having worked in the school for several years, was able to draw on Holly’s past experiences and turn them into something positive, helping her build relationships in a safe and supportive environment.

Mathew noticed that Holly enjoyed helping others and used this as a tool to engage and energise her outside of her core lessons. Gradually, with his trust and guidance, Holly has been assisting young students currently enrolled on the Premier League Inspires programme, offering support and mentorship at their weekly lessons. Throughout this, Holly has been able to develop more positive friendships, which have boosted her self-esteem and morale.

Despite her previous challenges, Holly has used her circumstances to build an honest rapport with those finding similar school environments just as tough. Over time, her walls have come down and she’s now open to having real and in-depth conversations around her internal struggles and how she's working to overcome them.

Being given responsibility and a sense of fulfillment has given Holly a new outlook on education and her future. Her attendance has improved dramatically, and her behaviour has become more consistent, as she now feels comfortable seeking help or expressing herself to her tutor.

For the first time, Holly's now confident enough to sit her core exams alongside her year group, since learning how to respond more positively to stress and tensity during school.

Holly is now optimistic about attending college next year, aspiring to work with children and support their welfare, using her own experiences to inspire others, helping people like her reach their full potential. Thanks to her connection with Matthew and his guidance, Holly has rediscovered joy and purpose in school.

Mathew Nightingale, Premier League Inspires Tutor at the Community Foundation, reflected:

"It's been great to see Holly’s growth over the past three years at Pencoedtre High School. The Premier League Inspires programme has helped Holly feel more motivated at school, and mentoring with me has been a positive outlet for her wellbeing."

As she prepares for the next stage of her life, I hope she can take the skills she’s learned and continue to build positive experiences socially and in college. I’m really proud that we, along with her school, could provide her with a safe space to be herself and help her discover her calling."

Holly commented:

“I have really enjoyed working with Mathew through the Premier League Inspires programme. He supports my learning and helps me feel safe and included in every lesson, letting me learn in the way that works best for me.

I now see him as a positive role model in school, and I’m really grateful for everything he’s helped me achieve.”