Think Forward

ThinkForward is a UK-based charity that provides long-term (5-year) coaching and employability programmes to help young people (aged 13-18) facing challenges transition from education into work. It works with schools to boost confidence, skills, and work readiness, partnering with businesses to offer mentoring and work experience. At Leigh Academy Strood we invest heavily in this programme that supports young people

At Leigh Academy Strood we are incredibly lucky to have Gina Carpenter as our Future Me Progression Coach. Gina works with 40 of our students in years 9-11 building their life and employability skills. The programme is continuing to grow and next academic year, Gina will also work with our post 16 students. Gina will continue to work with all of these students for a 5 year programme, even if they choose to attend college or gain a place on an apprenticeship. 

A portrait of a smiling woman with glasses and red-tinted hair, wearing a black hoodie and a green lanyard with a sunflower pattern.

The Think Forward students have at least two 1-1 sessions with Gina every module and they have at least one group session every module. They attend lots of trips and insight days with different companies, including Ledian Gardens, CC Cousins and 17 Capital. In year 9, they also create their own charity event or a charity of their choosing and last academic year the students raised £190 for Cancer Research UK for arranging a bake sale and a penalty shoot out!

Here is some feedback from our parents about the Think Forward programme:

Three students in school uniforms participating in a team-building exercise, stacking red plastic cups and cardboard to build a tower on a glass table.
A group of students in school uniforms cheering and reacting with excitement as they balance pink balloons and red cups during an indoor activity.
A handwritten poster featuring colorful, hand-drawn bubbles containing text about the benefits of a "house" or community, such as respect, trust, and family involvement.
Four students in black blazers standing with their backs to the camera at a bar counter, which is stocked with various glasses and bottles.
A "Certificate of Thanks" from Cancer Research UK addressed to the students of Strood Academy for fundraising £190.74.