Our Impact

The graphic attached shows the impact which SMK has had over the last 15 years. We believe that our local community is enriched because of the opportunities offered to those who wish to engage with education. In addition our funders need to see the effects that they are helping to achieve within the city of Milton Keynes. Read below for some of the experience of our learners and find out about our project to create a new learning and enterprise centre.

Testimonial

Community Impact

Testimonials

"I had no idea that such opportunities existed until SMK put me forwards for a boarding bursary. Initially I was apprehensive about leaving my friends but when I visited Bromsgrove, I truly understood what this moment could bring.

My time in boarding was probably the happiest of my life so far. Not only was it educationally great, but I made friends from all over the world, who I am still in touch with to this day.

During my time at school, SMK staff were always checking in, supporting me and attended as many school events as possible: I knew that they were always there should I need help with anything. They made the entire process so easy, never intimidating, and their calm and friendly approach helped settle any nerves.

Following Bromsgrove, I had aspiration to attend university in Loughborough, where I graduated in Business and Psychology. I now work in recruitment and have specialised in the IT and technology sector." RD, RNCSF student of 2018 who attended Bromsgrove School

"SMK believed in my potential when I was 12 years old and provided me with mentorship, coaching, and academic support to secure a scholarship and bursary to attend boarding school. This was only the first in a long list of moments when SMK supported me to grow into all that I am capable of. It wasn’t easy to leave home at age 13 to go to a very unfamiliar place in the countryside, but SMK was there to provide me with emotional support, which was crucial to give me the courage to persevere when I wanted to give up. When I came back to MK for sixth form, SMK was once again there to support me in new ways, which led to me becoming a Member of the UK Youth Parliament and representing Milton Keynes in the House of Commons on national TV. This was a key stepping stone in my journey to the University of Cambridge, and SMK’s support through the years has empowered me to explore my academic and professional interests. I am now pursuing a career in social impact consulting, which is like a full circle to me as I support nonprofits doing meaningful work like SMK. As a trustee for SMK, it is my deep desire that SMK will continue to be able to support and empower young people in Milton Keynes and beyond to grow into the fullness of their potential." FO, Trustee and student of the former Princess Helena College

Community Impact

SMK has provided a number of community projects since its inception.

With the support of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we were able to deliver free tuition in Maths, English and Science to over 100 students, from schools around Milton Keynes in years 9 to 11.
To develop children’s passion for learning and reading, SMK volunteers ran a reading club for those aged 7-11. The club took place on Fridays, encouraging students to read different types of books to develop their reading skills, expand their abilities and become inspired. The COVID-19 pandemic halted this provision but should you wish us to restart this provision then do not hesitate to contact us with the name(s) and age(s) of your child(ren).
With the support of the European Social Fund, SMK delivered the "Learning for Work" programme. This was delivered to 42 women from hard-to-reach communities in Milton Keynes with the aim of preparing them for employment. The programme included CV training, and confidence exercises and provided the women with tips and techniques to support them in their search for employment.
The programme contained an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) component and as part of the 20-week course, learners earned the appropriate ESOL certifications.
Funded by BFSS and MK Community Foundation, we have been delivering academic support for the city’s Looked After Children (LAC) as part of our Recovery After Covid (RAC) programme. This has seen learners studying Functional Skills English and Maths and developing new skills, such as learning how to prepare for exams, and increasing their knowledge in the different topics covered on the course. In addition, ESOL classes have helped learners to improve their English speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
Details of our ongoing projects can be found in our Mentoring and Leadership or Alternative Provision sections.