Creating inclusive pathways for all
Help us break the cycle of exclusion by supporting our #EmpowerFutures campaign
Empowering young people with inclusive pathways, essential skills and equal opportunity
For many young people, exclusion from education and meaningful skill development isn’t just a temporary setback—it’s a barrier to lifelong opportunity. The statistics are stark: over 40% of permanent exclusions in England impact underserved students eligible for free school meals, even though they make up only 20% of the school population. Additionally, more than half of all permanently excluded students have Special Educational Needs (SEN), despite neurodiverse students comprising just 15% of the overall student body. Exclusion also carries a higher risk of young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), which often contributes to lasting economic disadvantage and limits access to fulfilling careers.
At Spiral Skills, we provide tailored interventions that tackle these systemic exclusions, offering young people essential skills and industry connections that help them re-enter education, employment, or training and feel included in their communities. Together with our partners, we work to bridge these gaps, providing hands-on support that not only builds skills but also nurtures the confidence and ambition that can redefine futures. With your support, we can create a society where every young person has the skills, mentorship, and opportunity to thrive.
If you are passionate to #EmpowerFutures, donate to our campaign to support more young people to thrive.
supporting Young People to Overcome Exclusion and Achieve Their Potential
Spiral Skills employability programmes are delivered in partnership with Lambeth-based schools and PRU’s and cater to students eligible for free school meals and students either at risk of, or already excluded from mainstream education. Our Engage programmes aim to develop three foundation skills: staying positive, aiming high and teamwork. We achieve this through a series of 10 interactive, activity-based workshops led by trusted and relatable youth practitioners. Our Inspire programme builds upon Engage, inviting young people to sample careers across hospitality, enterprise, and creative sectors. It involves insights from industry professionals, CV sessions, interview techniques, and goal setting. Both programmes are complimented with one-to-one mentoring and referrals to opportunities in line with students’ values and interests.
In the past year, we have collaborated with thirteen schools, colleges and Pupil Referral Units to build inclusive pathways for young people.
Impact highlights from 81 students across our Engage and Inspire programmes:
Our programmes don’t just focus on immediate outcomes—they create a foundation for lifelong change. Spiral’s skills programmes for schools, designed with leading insights from the Skills Builder Framework, create significantly better life outcomes, including a 9.5% improvement in life satisfaction and a 10.3% reduction in unemployment risk. While OECD research shows that young people’s skills often decline between the ages of 11 and 15, Spiral’s approach reverses this trend: 81% of participants in our school's programme report measurable improvements in essential skills. By providing access to a supportive community, skill-building opportunities, and mentoring, we foster the growth of motivated, capable young people who are prepared to make their mark.
Fostering Skills and Aspiration through Work Experience
Work experience is a transformative opportunity for young people, helping to build confidence, develop essential skills, and bridge the opportunity gap. It equips them with real-world insights, workplace connections, and the tools needed to transition from education to employment successfully. Thanks to our opportunity community, we’ve facilitated 85 work experience placements across the past year, including cooking with EatClub, law at Middle Temple, and creative careers with John Doe, Jellyfish and Disguise.
Our work experience programmes further support young people by connecting them with professionals and hands-on learning that builds career confidence.
Impact highlights based off data from 85 work experience participants:
Inclusion is more than a policy; it’s a commitment to helping every young person see and achieve their potential. By supporting inclusion, we’re building not only resilient young people but also stronger communities where everyone has the chance to achieve their full potential. Join us in breaking down barriers and building a future where every young person can thrive. Together, we can champion inclusion and transform futures.
A monthly donation of £20 can support a young person’s personal and professional development across a 10 session programme. Explore ways you can give below, and follow the conversation on our social media to hear further insights into breaking the cycle of exclusion.
Donate today and help empower the next generation of leaders
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