Scheme for at-risk pupils beats targets

Kick, a Key Stage 4 programme for young people at risk of being excluded from mainstream schooling, helped more than four times as many pupils than expected to gain foundation level NVQs in the current academic year.

The programme, which works with pupils aged 13 to 16, also had no unauthorised absences in the same period.

Dawn Jackson, the project's director, said Kick is successful because the pupils' days are extremely structured, with the curriculum being taught in the morning and more creative activities in the afternoons.

The charity responsible for running the programme, NR5, is now in talks with Norfolk County Council to extend the Kick programme across the whole county.

Kick operates from a purpose-built unit that includes facilities such as a music studio and a community radio station.