Connect and Connect+ Launched
We're very proud to have launched Aldridge Connect and Connect+, a pioneering new framework designed to embed high-quality careers education and cultural enrichment across all its schools - starting from Year 5.
The initiative aims to ensure that every student, regardless of background, receives the support, guidance, and experiences they need to thrive in school and beyond.
While Aldridge Connect provides a structured, inclusive programme for all students, Connect+ offers enhanced, targeted support for those most at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).
Jane Fletcher, CEO of Aldridge Education, said:
“We know that the world our students are growing up in is changing fast. Our young people need more than just academic success: they need confidence, adaptability, and a strong sense of who they are and what they can achieve.“Aldridge Connect and Connect+ are about giving every student the tools to navigate their future with purpose. Whether it’s through meaningful careers guidance, cultural experiences that broaden their horizons, or the development of core skills like resilience and teamwork, we are committed to ensuring no one is left behind.“This is not a bolt-on programme - it’s a whole-school, whole-child approach that reflects our belief in equity, aspiration, and opportunity for all.”
Key Features of Aldridge Connect and Connect+
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Careers education from the start: Students receive structured guidance from Year 5, including careers advisor sessions, CV-building, and work experience tasters.
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Cultural capital for life: Trips, events, and enrichment activities - from theatre visits to first aid workshops - help students build confidence and curiosity.
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Equity-driven support: Connect+ targets students who need additional help, ensuring they receive tailored interventions and mentoring.
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Real-world readiness: The programme is underpinned by the Aldridge Attributes - a set of core skills aligned with what employers and society need most: problem solving, creativity, risk-taking, determination, passion, and teamwork.
Connect and Connect+ unify and enhance previous initiatives across Aldridge Schools into a single, trackable system. This allows schools to use data to ensure opportunities are distributed fairly and directed where they are needed most.
“Social mobility in the UK has stalled,” added Jane Fletcher. “We cannot wait for change to happen - we must lead it. Connect is our commitment to doing just that – it’s not just a programme, it’s a promise.”
