For over five years the Academic Coaching Programme has helped up skill and support hundreds of students from across our schools. Each year the programme aims to train sixth formers in the art of the Coaching Conversation and provide a series of one to one sessions for younger students to receive support with their academic goals. 

This week saw over 50 students come together for an online session on leadership to kick start the programme. While the end goal is to help younger students achieve their academic targets, the programme starts by looking inward. Our Sixth Formers began by delving into the core qualities of great leaders which included: Empathy, Determination, Humility, Communication and Confidence as well as being a great listener. 

The power of this programme lies in the peer-to-peer connection. A younger student may be more likely to take advice from a Sixth Former who has recently navigated the same exams and stresses. By mastering the coaching conversation, these 50 leaders will learn how to ask powerful questions that lead younger students to find their own solutions, rather than simply giving them the answers.

Now in its sixth year, the programme has a proven track record of providing targeted support, useful tools and increased confidence for the younger coachees. However, the benefits are  two-way, the Sixth Form coaches leave the programme with a refined set of interpersonal skills that are highly valued by universities and future employers. We look forward to continuing the programme and working with these dedicated young people.