Funding increase for mentors in pupil referral units in London

The Mayor of London's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is investing £2.3 million to expand dedicated mentoring support in pupil referral units in every London borough.

Mentors embedded in pupil referral units or in alternative provision settings work closely with young people vulnerable to being affected by exploitation and violence, supporting them to re-engage with education and school where evidence shows they are safer. 

The VRU’s mentoring programme provides one-to-one and group mentoring for young people aged 11-18 who have been excluded from mainstream school or are at risk of exclusion from education. 

Between September 2022 and July 2024, more than 1,500 young people across 22 boroughs were supported by mentors funded by the VRU.

Over these two academic years, 82 per cent of pupil referral units and alternative provision settings reported improved attendance in young people mentored. 

All schools with a mentor reported that young people developed improved relationships with peers and teaching staff, whilst 86 per cent of PRUs saw reductions in reported behavioural incidents.

Sadiq Khan's further investment means the mentoring programme can cover all 32 boroughs for the next two years. 

The funding also forms a key part of London’s Inclusion Charter, established by the VRU in February this year to tackle rising suspensions, exclusions and persistent absenteeism. 

Almost all London boroughs have now signed up to the principles of the Charter, joined by 20 national charities including Barnardo’s, Mission44, The Difference and The Children’s Society. 

Backed up by the Mayor’s £1.4 million investment in a partnership with UNICEF UK, more than 500 schools are now embedding inclusive practices and children’s rights for 94,000 young Londoners.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am committed to investing in young people and giving them the opportunity to reach their full potential and to thrive in our great city.

“Key to that is education and being in school where we know young people are safe and supported to develop and grow.

“That’s why my Violence Reduction Unit is investing in more youth clubs and supporting the life-changing role that youth workers and mentors play in our schools, pupil referral units, alternative provision settings and communities to divert young people away from violence and towards opportunity as part of my work building a safer London for everyone.”  

Celeste Fay, headteacher at Orchardside school, a pupil referral unit in Enfield, said: “Everyone at Orchardside is a mentor to our learners. Mentoring shapes all our relationships with our students. It drives personal growth, builds skills, knowledge, and an understanding of themselves and their relationships with others.

“Our approach to mentoring evolves around continuous positive regard and nurturing attachments. Reinforcing the messages that they have a stake in society and in their lives, mentoring at our school is about agency, responsibility, and personal growth.”