The Pupils First project, established in April 2003, is a strategic initiative in Sunderland’s ambition to be the first City aiming for all its young people to attend schools which meet the minimum standards of education as defined by the Government through the Floor Targets. It directly contributes to the major over-arching policy of the Education Directorate, the Education Single Plan.

Eight schools in the Hylton Red House and Pennywell clusters were originally involved in the project. These were:

• Hylton Red House Secondary School
• Witherwack Primary School
• Southwick Primary School
• Carley Hill Primary School (now closed)

• Pennywell Secondary School
• Pallion Primary School
• Quarry View Primary School
• Havelock Primary School

The schools identified a target group of those with potential to achieve level 4 at KS2 and 5 GCSEs A*-C at KS4 but were considered unlikely to do so without specific intervention. They identified their individual needs and barriers to learning and drew up individual pupil profiles and learning programmes. The schools then devised programmes, purchased resources and bought in professional support to meet the project objectives:

• Promote engagement
• Provide individual support
• Raise awareness of the world of work and individuals' aspirations

Individual schools tracked key elements of their programme, which they considered had been particularly successful.

To date the project has been very successful.

The schools have worked together to analyse the key elements of their success and are devising a tool kit for schools.