Closing the Gap Early: Year 8 and 9 in Middlesbrough – We are proud to officially launch the Power Programme for Key Stage 3 students in Middlesbrough, led by our Lead Coach, Tyrese Graham.
Tyrese brings a wealth of experience working specifically with Year 8 and Year 9 students, a crucial stage in secondary education where habits, identity and academic direction begin to take shape. His work centres around mindset and motivation, mental health awareness and academic performance, ensuring students are supported both personally and academically.
Key Stage 3 is often overlooked when it comes to targeted intervention. Yet these years are critical. Attendance patterns form. Attitudes towards learning are shaped. Confidence can either grow or quietly decline. The Power Programme is designed to step in early and provide structure, belief and accountability.
The programme focuses particularly on supporting Pupil Premium students, helping schools close the attainment gap through consistent mentoring, high expectations and practical strategies. This is not a one-off motivational talk. It is a structured intervention model built around measurable progress.
Through weekly workshops, small group coaching and clear goal-setting, students develop:
• Stronger learning behaviours
• Improved self-belief
• Emotional regulation strategies
• Greater focus in lessons
• Higher personal standards
Tyrese’s ability to connect with Year 8 and Year 9 students makes him uniquely effective at this level. He understands the pressures they face, socially, academically and emotionally and delivers in a way that is relatable, challenging and supportive in equal measure.
The Power Programme is about more than motivation. It is about sustainable progress.
By investing early in Key Stage 3, schools are not just supporting students for today, they are shaping outcomes for GCSE and beyond.
Middlesbrough is just the beginning.
