Councillor visits project for young people struggling at secondary school

The Extra Time Project acts as a middle ground for students who may be faced with exclusion or those that struggle in a classroom setting.

Pupils take part in off-site academic lessons and sports sessions which are a partnership between Brighton and Hove City Council and the Russell Martin Foundation - a nonprofit organisation set up by professional footballer Russell Martin to change young people’s lives through sport.

Councillor John Allcock visited the project, which aims to improve attendance and pupil behaviour, on Tuesday (March 3).

“I am delighted that the Russell Martin Foundation is helping to make such a valuable contribution to alternative education provision in the city,” he said, “contributing to closing the attainment gap for disadvantaged children and young people.

“Although it is early days, there is emerging evidence that pupils who have been involved in the project are doing well, not only in their academic progress but also in their social and emotional wellbeing.”

The project is delivered by professional teaching staff and provides an environment where pupils can receive help and support outside the classroom.

Chief executive of the Russell Martin Foundation Alan Sanders, said: “The purpose of this initiative is to help pupils who are currently struggling with mainstream education.

“This could be for a whole host of reasons including problems at home or just difficulty concentrating.

“This allows us to spend individual time with the pupils that may not be possible in a busy secondary school.”

More information about the project can be found at this website.