A Welsh charity founded by a former teacher has launched in response to a growing demand for social mobility across the region.
The charity provides academic and mentoring support to children in South Wales, with a focus on those eligible for Free School Meals (FSM), helping to close the attainment gap and improve social mobility.
Originally conceived as a community initiative, The Academic Coach Foundation recently gained full charity status in response to the growing need for more support for disadvantaged pupils. As it begins its first full academic year, the charity aims to help children who might not otherwise have access to essential educational resources.
Founder Nyree Myers said that years of working with students receiving Free School Meals across South Wales led her to see the profound impact of mentoring and tutoring on pupils’ confidence, performance, and aspirations.
“Improving social mobility is a complex endeavour that requires changes in both education and the workplace,” she said.
“We have a unique opportunity to create real, lasting change at the grassroots level through our collaborations with schools and organisations.”
According to the Welsh Government, pupils eligible for Free School Meals perform worse than their peers at every key stage of education, with the gap widening as students get older. These disparities often persist throughout students’ academic journeys, limiting their future opportunities.
Nyree said:
“Unfortunately, where and what you are born into is pure potluck. I launched The Academic Coach Foundation with my board of professionals to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of the hand they were dealt. Progression should be based on skills, talent, and work ethic — not postcode, accent, or background. Every child deserves the chance to succeed.”
The charity’s mission is to remove barriers to education and increase opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds by offering:
- Access to top-quality academic tutoring from subject specialists
- Career advice, mentoring, and networking opportunities
- Guidance for students and parents on how to access higher education and enter the workforce
- Support to raise aspirations, improve confidence, and break the cycle of poverty
