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Keen Students School
Targeted Intervention and GCSE Retakes
"In 1990 in east London a group of concerned parents opened the Keen Students School because they were concerned about the underachievement of children in schools in their borough. Curiously, it became clear that the very same kids who were disruptive and would not learn at school then volunteered to come after school and learn. One of the founders argues that 'it's pretty much down to expectation..."
- You Can't Put Me In A Box: Super-diversity and the end of identity politics in Britain
Simon Fanshawe and Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah, January 2010 © ippr 2010
Keen Students School (KSS) is a project set up by members of the local community, including the founder of GSL Education, who were concerned with the problems of underachievement in education of the young people of Tower Hamlets. It was set up in January 1990 and has continued to grow and develop over the years, successfully serving its students and the community.
Grants from the Bethnal Green City Challenge, National Lottery Charities Board and English Partnerships enabled KSS to move into specially adapted school premises on Vallance Road, offering an appealing environment for young people to learn in and enabling KSS to meet growing demand from local young people. KSS gained registered charity status and with the support of local trusts, it provides after school hours and daytime classes in the main curriculum subjects at both GCSE and A-level, through group tuition and individual support by a team of highly qualified and experienced teachers, assisted by an energetic team of postgraduate students. KSS provides a friendly environment that also provides activities and resources that support the personal development of young people, to increase levels of confidence and self esteem in an area subject to many disadvantages and low expectations.
"KSS has clearly made a difference to the lives of very many young people in Tower Hamlets and helped them to success in education and their careers." – Rt. Hon. Estelle Morris (then Secretary of State for Education and Skills)
"We, Tower Hamlets Council, are very pleased to be associated with a successful project such as KSS, that provides positive experiences for youth." – Cllr Helal Abba (then Leader of Tower Hamlets Council)
"...[it's] satisfying having the luxury of working in depth with students and following their development from year to year." – Ms Jane Lofthouse (Senior English Teacher, KSS)
"KSS gave me the support I needed to succeed in both GCSE and A level in a secure, friendly and positive environment." – Shejue Begum (former KSS Student)
If you're interested in supporting or working with KSS, please go the school's website or contact them directly.
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