The Baytree Centre opened its doors in 1992, providing skill-based courses to women in Brixton, London. Today, we work with over 800 women and girls every year, addressing issues such as poor housing conditions, homelessness, trauma, and lack of language and other essential skills that hinder their ability to thrive.
In 1997, we expanded our services to meet the needs of local girls and encountered a growing number of newly arrived girls without places in secondary schools or colleges. Education is a fundamental right for all children, including those who are newly arrived in the UK. However, navigating the school application system can be difficult for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who are new to the country and have limited English and digital skills. Even with support, young migrants of secondary school age can end up waiting months for a place and feel isolated and discouraged.
To address this need, we launched Into School, a programme that facilitates the transition of newly arrived secondary school girls into the UK education system. The programme provides educational and social activities, mentoring, and extra-curricular activities while they wait for a place. The programme has been running for over fifteen years and remains a vital service in our local community.
Our recently redesigned programme includes a range of support services and activities, including ESOL (English classes), social activities, classes to prepare girls for school or college, support with school applications, mentoring, and maths and digital skills embedded in the curriculum. Additionally, we offer outings in and around London, optional after-school EAL classes, and optional after-school activities with our youth services.
To find out more about our programme, please contact intoschool@baytreecentre.org.uk.
Head over to our Press Page and read more about the programme and an interview with Rosanna Zach, Head of Youth Programmes, and Hannah Ross, Into School coordinator, about the barriers and issues surrounding migrant and refugee women’s access to education in Lambeth.
