Research

Descriptive analysis of supplementary school pupils’ characteristics and attainment in seven local authorities in England, 2007/08—2011/12

The Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s (PHF) main aim is to help people overcome disadvantage and lack of opportunity, so that they can realise their potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives. The Foundation funded supplementary schools for 14 years (2001-15) through its Education and Learning Programme, contributing to improvements in the quality of their tuition and range of activities, as well as the development of partnerships with mainstream schools. From 2006-2012, they were also the joint funder together with the Department for Education of the National Resource Centre for Supplementary Education.

Following a review of PHF’s Education and Learning Programme, and in response to the increasing pressure on supplementary schools, its trustees decided to undertake some additional work to strengthen the sustainability of its grantees and the wider sector. This work included:

A research study into the impact of supplementary schools on children’s attainment in mainstream education. Using pupil data gathered from 52 supplementary schools working through the NRCSE quality framework, and together with the local authority mentors working in partnership with NRCSE, David Evans and Pascale Vassie focused on supplementary schools in areas outside London and included pupils from seven local authority areas: Coventry, Leeds, Lincolnshire, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Nottingham and Sheffield. We aimed to complement a similar study undertaken in 2012 and published by John Lyon’s Charity which focused on community-led supplementary schools working through the NRCSE quality framework in London. The report for PHF (Evans and Gillan-Thomas 2015) is available here.

A series of case studies of seven supplementary schools to show a range of relatively strong models for maintaining financial stability was undertaken by Kita Jiwani.

PHF published a booklet containing summary versions of the case studies, which was sent out to all NRCSE members (please log in and check your membership record has up-to-date postal address). We still have a few copies left, if you would like one please get in touch. The longer, more detailed versions are available here.