The Portal Trust

We’re a proud flagship partner of the Libraries for Primaries Campaign! Reading for pleasure boosts literacy skills, wellbeing, and confidence. Yet, 1 in 7 state primary schools in the UK doesn’t have a library. We recently had the pleasure of visiting Herbert Morrison Primary School in Lambeth to tour the wonderful improved library we’ve supported. As part of this campaign, we’re committed to empowering children through the joy of reading and creating opportunities for them to succeed. We’re excited to join the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House UK on their mission to put a library in every primary school by 2028! #LibrariesForPrimaries #GrowAGenerationOfReaders #ReadingForPleasure

Inequalities still exist in our education system for young people from lower-income backgrounds 🚨 Sarah Atkinson, Chief Executive of The Social Mobility Foundation, recently shared her insights about the hidden barriers to educational success. By supporting the Aspiring Professionals Programme, we're helping to build a more inclusive and equitable education system for everyone. Read the full blog here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/dF9e7Bg9

We had a great time at The AHOY Centre's Supporters Day! Our Trustees and Chief Executive, Richard Foley, recently joined funders and supporters to celebrate the transformative power of sailing. A standout moment was learning about AHOY’s commitment to inclusivity and their support for young Londoners with special educational needs. AHOY is making waves in the community by opening up new educational opportunities, and we’re proud to support their mission! 🌊

Stepney All Saints School's awards ceremony celebrated student achievements and included the presentation of the Portal Trust award. It also featured an inspiring talk from BAFTA-nominated actor and former student Hammed Animashaun. Congratulations to all staff and students! We’re proud to be the Trustee and Voluntary Aiding Body of this fantastic school 🌟👏

London’s suspension rates reveal significant educational inequalities. Students from Roma, Gypsy, and Traveller of Irish Heritage backgrounds face the highest suspension rates of any ethnic group in London. Additionally, students eligible for free school meals in Bexley are four times more likely to be suspended than those in Tower Hamlets. These disparities reflect the systemic barriers that prevent many students from accessing the opportunities they need to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to have supported organisations such as XLP and First Story who do vital work to help students reconnect with learning. Read our full research report here: https://lnkd.in/e_Wu3snR

At Redthread in St. George’s Hospital, youth workers provide essential support to young Londoners facing significant challenges. Through education and tailored support, they empower young people to rebuild their lives and access opportunities for a better future. We’re proud to support their life-changing work. 👉 Discover more about our visit: https://lnkd.in/ekEZ8ETi

We caught up with The Mayor's Fund for London to explore how their two-year pilot, Numbers@Work, is tackling educational inequalities! Our latest report found that 3.4% of 16-year-olds in London are not in education, employment, or training, with five boroughs seeing an increase. We’re supporting The Mayor's Fund for London to tackle these challenges by boosting maths confidence in young people at risk of exclusion. Susannah Behr recently wrote an exciting blog in response to our research findings, highlighting the role of maths in creating a more equitable future. Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/eviXYTHE

The Portal Trust Community Room at the Young V&A provides young visitors with a welcoming space to explore, learn, and create. In recognition of its commitment to supporting young people, Young V&A has won the 2024 Family Friendly Museum Award from Kids in Museums. A huge congratulations to everyone who has contributed to making this museum an inspiring place for families and young minds! 📷: David Parry, Victoria and Albert Museum

📢 Over the last two days, our Trustees came together to shape our new five-year Grants strategy and explore the best ways of creating change! We’re grateful to have had Gary Buxton MBE, a social impact expert with over 20 years of experience, lead our strategic discussions. A highlight of the day was playing ‘Life is What You Make It’, a board game created by our grantee Osmond Gordon-Vernon from Battersea Arts Centre. Thank you to all our trustees and special advisors for their insights. We look forward to revealing our new Grants strategy next year!

Which London borough has seen the biggest rise in 16-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (NEET)? Our latest analysis reveals that Hammersmith and Fulham saw the sharpest increase, followed by Lewisham, Westminster, Hounslow, and Enfield. Although many boroughs have made improvements, the findings show there is still more to be done to support young Londoners. Find out more 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_Wu3snR