The Power of Enrichment: Enhancing School Attendance and Student Engagement

Recent research from the Centre for Young Lives commissioned by NCS Trust (National Citizen Service), and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has highlighted a significant positive link between enrichment activities and tackling the school attendance crisis. The report calls for an extension to the Enrichment Partnership Pilots (EPP) which Villiers Park alongside X organisations across the country have been running since September 2024.  

The Centre for Young Lives report emphasises that enrichment is not just an add-on but a crucial aspect of addressing attendance issues, finding that students who engage in enrichment activities are less likely to miss school and feeling a sense of belonging and purpose. 

Our enrichment project empowers young people to shape their school's enrichment activities by designing and delivering their own initiatives. We started by gathering feedback from over 80 students across six schools and since last September have engaged over 1,000 young people through assemblies and workshops, encouraging them to explore and develop their own enrichment ideas. 

The next stage of our project is now well under way in schools, with students now working on developing their enrichment initiatives, from art and hair and beauty clubs to athletics and football to LGBTQ club and diversity days.  

Elliot a Year 9 at Nene Park Academy shared “The experience I had while at the EPP workshop with Villiers Park was great. It helped me communicate with peers I usually wouldn’t talk to and opened me up to new opportunities and taught me valuable life lessons which have benefited me with teamwork and communication skills. I really enjoyed this day, and I look forward to achieving more skills which will help me in the future.” 

These give students access to a diverse range of experience and opportunities, igniting their passions as well as enhancing their learning. Villiers Park is proud to be part of this programme, working alongside and funded by The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and NCS Trust to tackle educational inequality. 

Stay tuned to learn more about our projects and even a recent Royal visit.