Catch22 approved as academy sponsor

The charity hopes to use its new status to take over the task of turning around failing pupil referral units and other alternative education providers.

As part of the plan, Catch22 intends to introduce an educational approach designed around the needs of the most disadvantaged young people including young offenders, those excluded from school and those at risk of ending up unemployed.

Chris Wright, chief executive of Catch22, said: “A good education is perhaps the most valuable thing we can give to a young person and now Catch22’s sponsor status will enable us to reach more of the most vulnerable and challenging young people.

“Catch22’s vision for education is one that balances both the academic and behavioural needs of every young person, helping them transform their lives.”

As well as offering a curriculum that focuses on English and maths, the charity plans to place a strong emphasis on preparing young people for the workplace.

“For many young people getting a decent employment opportunity is crucial and we are looking at a curriculum that involves enterprise and gets young people ready for work,” said Wright.

“I think we are well positioned to create pathways for children from pupil referral units to work.”

Catch22 already works in more than 300 educational establishments in England to help children at risk of exclusion and in 2012 it took over the Pupil Parent Partnership, an alternative provision school offering education and therapeutic support for excluded young people in west London.

Wright said Catch22 hopes to take over one or two pupil referral units in the next year.