New Partnership Targets Pupil Re-Engagement in South Wales

On 3rd December, Education partners, ALNCO leads, local referrers, business leaders and community stakeholders gathered at the home of Cardiff City Football Club to celebrate the launch of a new partnership - the first of its kind in Wales.

The BUSY Group has partnered with Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, the official charity of Cardiff City Football Club, to expand its alternative learning provision.

The partnership will combine the best of education, football and wellbeing, delivered in a supportive, non-traditional learning environment.

The event showcased the Community Foundation’s education and outreach work to potential local and national partners, highlighting the bold plans of both the charity and The BUSY Group to expand and continue supporting young people whose needs aren’t met by mainstream school settings.

The steadily rising number of exclusions and disengagement from mainstream schooling is creating a growing challenge for the education sector in Wales.

• Since the pandemic, persistent absenteeism remains a significant concern in Wales, with around 1 in 10 pupils missing over 20% of school sessions. Year 11 pupils are the most affected, with 45% regularly absent.
• The rate of permanent exclusions in Wales increased to 0.9 per 1,000 pupils in 2022/23, up from 0.6 per 1,000 pupils in 2021/22.
• In 2022/23, Pupils with SEN/ALN experience significantly higher rates of both fixed-term and permanent exclusions compared to their peers without SEN/ALN.

These trends have led to widespread recognition that alternative education must evolve to meet these challenges. That is exactly what The BUSY School at Cardiff City FC Community Foundation, is committed to addressing.

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is proud to currently offer young people aged 14-21 a supportive environment to thrive and transfer what they learn in the classroom to the pitch, through regular physical activity.

The BUSY School offers a proven alternative education model with small classes, flexible timetables and individual learning plans, backed by wrap-around wellbeing and career support - helping students meet their unique needs and empowering their personal development

Together, they will harness the power of football to help young people in Cardiff City communities reach their full potential and ensure no one is left behind.

If you’re an organisation or local business looking to invest in and create social impact in your community to deliver meaningful opportunities, please contact Joanne.Bendon@cardiffcityfc.org.uk