Department for Education (DfE) research estimates that in the first half-term of autumn 2020, pupils in:

• year 3 to 9 were on average around 1.6 to 2 months behind on their reading
• year 3 to 7 were around 3.2 months behind on their maths
• schools with high numbers of pupils eligible for free school meals were on average further behind those in schools with low free school meals eligibility

Anecdotal evidence also points to children and young people’s mental health having suffered from lockdown and from periods of individual or class isolation even after schools reopened fully in the autumn term.

Summer school provision with an academic focus has the potential to support attending pupils to make up for some of their missed education. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) finds that, on average, pupils attending a summer school can make:

• 2 months’ additional progress (compared with pupils who do not attend)
• up to 4 months’ additional progress if the summer school offers small group tuition led by highly-trained and experienced teaching staff

Evidence suggests a broader benefit for families and communities, support for vulnerable children and young people, pupil mental health and wellbeing, improved education engagement and transitions, and reduced youth violence.

 

Bishop Challoner Summer School 2022 ran for one week, beginning on Monday, 25^th July. The opportunity to attend was extended to all those who had confirmed their Year 7 place in September, with the final number of attendees at 141.

Our school has designed and successfully run Summer Schools for many years, and particular care was taken this year in light of the DfE research above and the effects of the pandemic on transition to Year 7.

Throughout the week the school delivered a range of academic, enrichment and sporting activities onsite. The event also provided a valuable opportunity for early pastoral interventions. Each day of the summer school provided the students with extra tools and support for a confident transition to secondary school.

There is a cost breakdown below:

Total Funding Received: £11723

Staffing	£17290	Staffing costs so teaching staff, non-teaching staff and pastoral support throughout the week.
Student Mentors	£1000	Gift cards for the 20 student leaders supporting with the summer school throughout the week.
Resources	£380	Technology supplies, general stationary and folders to support the teaching & learning for the week.
Catering	£5240	Cost covers food, staffing and labour for mealtimes throughout the week

Total: £23910