Raising aspirations across the East of England

Kathryn Brindley-Edwards, Principal of The Bedford Sixth Form and The Corby Sixth Form, which are both part of The Bedford College Group, has been appointed as a Regional Ambassador for the East of England by the leading social mobility charity The Sutton Trust.

The Sutton Trust works to improve opportunities for young people from less advantaged backgrounds through its education and careers programmes, research and policy work.

Kathryn has a longstanding connection with the charity and a particular interest in raising aspirations among young people.

Kathryn Resized
Supporting students to aim higher

Before joining The Bedford College Group, Kathryn held a national role with Ormiston Academies Trust, overseeing sixth form provision across 11 secondary schools.  During this time, she worked with the Sutton Trust, alongside Causeway Education, on a pilot project looking at ‘undermatch’, where students choose universities or courses which do not reflect their academic ability.

Since joining The Bedford College Group, raising aspirations has continued to be a priority across The Bedford Sixth Form and The Corby Sixth Form.

Kathryn has strengthened the focus on aspirations across both Sixth Forms, introducing a Deputy Head role with responsibility for aspirations and ambition, alongside Raising Aspirations Co-ordinators at both sites. The two Sixth Forms have since seen a significant rise in applications to Sutton Trust Summer Schools.

Kathryn said:

“Social mobility and raising aspirations have been a longstanding passion of mine. I believe that opportunity should be as equally spread as talent is, and that students’ aspirations and ambitions shouldn’t be dictated by their background.

“We have already seen a huge increase in applications to Sutton Trust Summer Schools, but there is still more we can do to make sure students know what is available to them and have the best possible chance of being successful when they apply.

“I’m very proud to have been selected as a Regional Ambassador and to represent The Bedford Sixth Form and The Corby Sixth Form. I’m looking forward to working with the Sutton Trust and other education leaders to support more young people across the East of England.”

As a Regional Ambassador, Kathryn will draw on her experience of working with young people in Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire and help raise awareness of the Sutton Trust’s work across the East of England.

To find out more about The Bedford Sixth Form and Corby Sixth Form, visit: https://bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk/

For more information on the Sutton Trust, visit: https://www.suttontrust.com/

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