In November, our research, 'Poverty and Prosperity in Kensington + Chelsea', revealed that the number of children on Free School Meals in our borough had increased by a staggering 50% over the past 4 years.

With families increasingly stretched by escalating fuel bills, the drop in Universal Credit payments and an increase in the cost of basic food items, we are concerned that this number is only going to grow.

Evidence clearly demonstrates that children on Free School Meals are less likely to achieve the same educational outcomes as their peers. According to our research, by the time they reach the age of 19, their likelihood of achieving Level 9 qualifications is 11% lower than their wealthier peers.

This Spring, we want to support young people like Anna*, whose education was suffering because her home was overcrowded, with no space for her to study. Anna was also struggling with her mental health, as she became increasingly anxious at falling behind, and had low self-esteem.

K+C Foundation funded a Homework Club at Anna’s school, which invited students on Free School Meals to stay on at the end of the day, enjoy a hot meal, and safe, quiet space to complete their homework with full use of IT facilities and resources.

This project had a huge impact on Anna. In just four months, her scores across core subjects improved by an average of 2 grades. As her Head of Year observed:

We’ve seen a real transformation, both in terms of her grades but also in her wellbeing and engagement in school life. She is a very capable girl and this has given her the boost she needed to really thrive and achieve her potential despite the many disadvantages she faces.

Please help us to ensure that the life chances of young people in our community are not hindered by poverty.

£205 can fund a place for a child, like Anna, at Homework Club in our community for a whole school year.

Donate now.

*Anna's name has been changed to protect her identity

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