This youth leadership initiative supports young people from underserved communities across the UK to develop valuable life and leadership skills. Through mentoring sessions led by inspirational athletes, participants build confidence, resilience and raise their aspirations.
The programme works with pupils in Year 9 who have been identified as being at risk of not fulfilling their potential. Schools engage two cohorts over a three-year period, providing sustained support and enabling long-term impact.
The programme aims to improve young people’s life chances by strengthening their engagement in education and positive social activity. Athlete Mentor sessions focus on developing key employability skills essential beyond education, while sport and social action provide opportunities to apply learning in real contexts and create change around issues that matter to them.
How it Works
Schools commit to a three-year journey, working with two cohorts of pupils to provide sustained support and build long-term impact.
- Identify young people - Schools select pupils in Year 9 who would benefit most from the programme, focusing on those at risk of not fulfilling their potential.
- Begin the mentoring journey - Young people take part in mentoring sessions led by inspirational athletes, designed to build confidence, resilience, aspiration and key leadership behaviours.
- Develop skills through sport - Participants explore leadership in sport and begin developing practical life and employability skills that can support them in education and beyond.
- Put learning into action - Through sport and social action, young people apply their skills in real situations, helping them take ownership, work with others and influence issues that matter to them.
- Build impact over time - Schools support two cohorts across three academic years, allowing the programme to create deeper engagement and more lasting change.
Impact and Benefits
Set for Success supports young people from underserved communities to build confidence, life skills and aspirations through sport and mentoring from inspirational athlete mentors and teachers.
Across the pilot (2020–2023) and 2024/25 delivery, the programme has engaged over 1,600 young people, including those from low-income families, with additional needs, and from ethnically diverse communities.
What young people experienced
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Improved attitudes to, and engagement in, school
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Stronger teamwork, communication and resilience
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Increased confidence, self-esteem and aspirations
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Greater enjoyment of physical activity and improved wellbeing
During the pilot:
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86% improved teamwork
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82% improved communication
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75% improved resilience
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73% improved leadership skills
What schools said
Teachers reported clear improvements in behaviour, engagement and confidence, with 77% noting a positive change in behaviour at school.
- “This programme has brought me focus and confidence.” – Student
- “It’s really helped me come out of my comfort zone – I feel like a different person.” – Student
- “Their aspirations are much higher now.” – Teacher
Why it Matters
Too many young people are at risk of not fulfilling their potential, with growing numbers facing barriers to education, employment and training.
From October to December 2025, 12.8% of young people aged 16–24 were not in education, employment or training (NEET) – an upward trend influenced by increasing societal pressures, the cost-of-living crisis, and the lasting impact of the pandemic.
Without targeted support, these young people are more likely to disengage from education and miss opportunities to develop the skills and confidence needed for their future.
Set for Success responds by using the power of sport and mentoring to re-engage young people in learning. Through athlete-led sessions, active learning and real-world application, the programme helps participants build essential life and employability skills, strengthen their connection to school, and develop the confidence and aspirations needed to succeed.
For further insight, explore the Set for Success evaluation reports.
Get in touch
Ready to bring Set for Success to your school? Contact Izzy Perry, Programme Manager - Set for Success.
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