January 19, 2026

Rebuilding Confidence at Benfield School Through Our Partner Schools Programme

Supporting young people through challenging times is a central part of the Harrison Foundation’s work and nowhere is this more important than within our Partner Schools Programme.

Delivered in collaboration with the Newcastle United Foundation, the programme provides targeted guidance and wellbeing support for pupils who are at risk of disengagement from education. At Benfield School this approach is helping young people rebuild confidence, improve behaviour and re-engage with learning.

One Year 8 pupil at Benfield School provides a powerful example of how early intervention and consistent support can change a young person’s direction. When the pupil arrived at the school in Year 7 they struggled to settle following the transition from primary education. Attendance was extremely low, behaviour was disruptive and repeated suspensions placed the pupil at serious risk of permanent exclusion.

By the end of Year 7 the pupil’s attendance had fallen to just over 55% with more than 30 days spent suspended from school. This level of absence and exclusion created a cycle that made re-engagement increasingly difficult and threatened the pupil’s long-term educational outcomes.

Recognising the scale of the challenge, the school identified the pupil as a priority for intensive one-to-one and small group intervention through the Partner Schools Programme. The aim was to provide a fresh start at the beginning of Year 8 and to put the right support in place to help prevent previous patterns from re-emerging.

Since returning to school the change has been significant. Attendance has improved to over 71% and suspension days have reduced to zero. The pupil now attends lessons consistently, arrives at school much closer to the start of the day and demonstrates far greater resilience when faced with challenges.

This improvement has been driven by bespoke support tailored to the pupil’s needs. The programme focuses on building self-esteem, confidence and motivation alongside developing positive relationships with trusted adults. By helping the pupil feel understood and supported their attitude towards school and learning has shifted allowing them to engage more positively with staff and peers.

Daniel Harrison MBE, trustee of the Harrison Foundation, said:

“This is exactly why the Partner Schools Programme exists. Some young people just need the right support at the right time to help them turn things around. When confidence and trust are built you start to see real change, not just in behaviour, but in how young people see themselves and their future. Supporting that journey is at the heart of our mission.”

The Partner Schools Programme continues to play a vital role at Benfield School supporting pupils who face complex barriers to education. By investing in early intervention and sustained guidance, the Harrison Foundation is helping schools give young people a genuine opportunity to reset, rebuild and move forward.