“Partnering with First Step has been well worth the investment. It’s our first time teaming up with an external partner, and the results have been really positive – course attendance is excellent, with 100% learner retention and a 100% pass rate on the first exams. The course tutor Trevor has embraced our values and integrated with the school, and Rob is approachable, responsive and always there to help solve challenges.”

Kristina Hill – Head of Sixth Form

The Client

Archbishop Sentamu Academy is one of Hull’s largest secondary schools and 6^th forms – named after Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York. 

Our team approached the school in 2018, when looking to partner with a school in Hull for the delivery of our Level 2, post 16 Sports Coaching programme. The school’s 6^th form was a natural fit – it had extensive sports facilities, and didn’t currently offer a vocational sports programme for school leavers, or have the necessary in-house personnel available to deliver one.

Keen to develop alternative programmes to their core academic offering, and excited by the prospect of enriching its offering, the school signed up with us for a programme that launched in September 2018.

The Challenge

School leaders were concerned about how the programme would be integrated into the wider 6^th form. 

There were also some concerns about the practicalities of delivering the course – in terms of the teaching schedule, examining body and the logistics of the external placements. Finally, there were worries about how learners would perform, and the impact this could have on the school’s reputation.

It was a lot to overcome!

After thoroughly researching First Step, and looking at our track record – the school decided to commit to and invest in the experiment…

The Results

The school has been really impressed with the overall delivery of the course – and the early results speak for themselves.

Attendance has been excellent, and we have delivered a 100% learner retention rate – a great indicator that learners are enjoying the course! Most importantly, 100% of the learners have passed their exams – a fantastic achievement and one that we’re all really proud of. 

Initial challenges in terms of managing the schedule and logistics of the course were met head on, and course leader, Trevor Glathorne, has embraced the ethos of the school and become a part of the team at the 6^th form. 

The partnership has made a real impact on the school. It’s helped to broaden the offering of its 6^th form, attracted external learners and provided opportunities for young people in Hull who are passionate about sport, but for whom A-Levels simply weren’t the best pathway.

Into the Future

What was seen by many at the school as a calculated risk and an experiment has really paid off. 

The school is delighted with the results of the first year, and really pleased with how effectively the partnership has worked – and we’re already in talks to extend the programme and deliver another Level 2 course next year.

Post 16 Sports Coaching Programmes from First Step Training

Expand your 6^th form offering, attract more learners and develop your post-16 sports education provision, with support from First Step Training.

Combining classroom learning with practical and vocational training and hands on work placements – our holistic, employer led courses lead to valuable, industry-recognised Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications that provide learners with the foundations for a successful career in sport.

Delivered on site, in partnership with your school, it’s a great opportunity to set your 6^th form or college apart from the local competition.