Students Graduate from the EEF Coaching Programme

Posted at 2:34 pm on 10th March, 2026

This term, we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of a dedicated group of Year 10 students who have successfully graduated from the EEF Project with Coach Bright. Each year, a select group of pupils take on the challenge of becoming peer coaches, supporting some of our Year 7 students with their maths learning. Since November, they have committed their P6 co‑curriculum time to developing their coaching skills and mentoring younger learners and their hard work has truly paid off.

Coach Bright delivers high‑impact 8–10 week coaching programmes designed to empower older pupils to become confident, skilled mentors. Through their Peer‑to‑Peer model, students are trained in the fundamentals of coaching before being paired one‑to‑one with younger peers. This approach strengthens academic understanding while also building leadership, communication, and positive relationships across year groups.

Jessica Howe, representing Coach Bright, highlighted the wider potential of the programme:

“I envisage using the model of coaching to support numeracy across the school.”

Mr Sharrock, who has overseen the programme at Wellacre, praised the enthusiasm and quality of the training:

“The materials were delivered in such an enthusiastic way, it made the fundamentals of coaching engaging and fun for the students to learn about.”

Our Year 10 coaches embraced the experience from the very first session. Adam (Y10) reflected on the impact of getting started:

“The first session was an interesting and enjoyable way to help me become invested in the coaching programme.”

As the programme progressed, the benefits became increasingly clear not only in improved mathematical thinking, but also in the confidence, communication skills, and sense of responsibility the older students developed.

One of the most powerful outcomes has been the relationships formed between Year 7 and Year 10 students. Mr Sharrock shared:

“There was never a dull moment during our Maths coaching programme this half term. There were so many exciting, lovely things to see: Year 7 students seeking Maths advice from people other than their own Maths teacher; Year 10 students using coaching strategies to make their coaches think mathematically; and friendships formed across year groups that will benefit Wellacre Academy as a community. I can see this developing into a supportive independent learning hub in the future that will help students develop both mathematical and life skills.”

     

We are incredibly proud of our Year 10 students for their commitment, leadership, and positivity throughout the programme. Their dedication has strengthened the confidence of our younger learners and helped build a culture of collaboration and support across the school.

 

A huge well done to all involved, and thank you to Coach Bright for their continued partnership.