North East United making strides in tackling school absenteeism

The North East United programme, launched and funded by The Edwin Group in January, is already making impressive strides in helping tackle school absenteeism, increase engagement and raise aspirations through the power of football. A half-time report, completed in February revealed that student attendance has significantly improved, with many participants nearing the 95% attendance target. Early data also highlights increased student motivation and stronger parental engagement, reinforcing the initiative’s impact.

Using football to reconnect students with education

Developed in collaboration with Middlesbrough FC Foundation, Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light and Newcastle United Foundation, North East United is a 12-week pilot programme designed to address absenteeism among Year 10 students in the North East. This groundbreaking initiative is harnessing the transformative impact of football to engage students and create a supportive, energising environment that builds confidence, teamwork and academic enthusiasm through a culture of high performance.

The initiative works with schools from three trusts – Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust and Spark Education Trust. The participating schools are Conyers School in Yarm, Huntcliff School in Saltburn, St John’s School and Sixth Form College in Bishop Auckland, English Martyrs Catholic School and Sixth Form College in Hartlepool, St Wilfrid’s RC College in South Shields and St Bede’s Catholic School in Peterlee. These schools are targeting Year 10 students with attendance rates between 85% and 92%, with the goal of raising attendance above 95%.

The programme blends sport with education, running twice a week during school hours, where professional coaches lead sessions aimed at improving resilience and promoting positive habits. Students are rewarded for attendance and participation, helping instil lasting positive changes in their approach to both school and life. Schools are already seeing the clear benefits of the programme, with one student’s attendance improving by an amazing 17%.

Levelling the playing field for academic success

Absenteeism remains one of the most pressing challenges facing schools nationwide. Year 10 is a critical stage where consistent attendance can determine whether students achieve academic success or fall behind.

Strengthening parental engagement

One of the standout findings from the mid-point review is the programme’s success in engaging parents. North East United places a strong emphasis on parental involvement, inviting families to feedback sessions and events that provide them with an active role in their child’s progress.

"Parents are crucial to the programme’s success," Sarah explained. "When schools and families work together, the results can be transformative. We’re thrilled to see such positive engagement from parents so far."

Creating a long-term model for attendance improvement

Following the conclusion and comprehensive evaluation of the pilot later this month, The Edwin Group and our football foundation partners are exploring opportunities to both sustain and expand the programme to deliver wider impact.

"We’re not just solving an immediate issue for the pilot schools," Sarah emphasised. "We’re creating a scalable model that can help tackle absenteeism and raise aspirations across the UK for years to come. The success we've seen so far gives us confidence that we can continue to build on the programme’s success even after it ends, as schools have built a network of contacts that will help sustain the benefits long-term."

Photos courtesy of Chris Barron at The Northern Echo.