Lynn How
Lynn is the Editor at Teacher Toolkit. With 20 years of primary teaching and SLT experience, she has been an Assistant Head, Lead Mentor for ITT and SENCO. She loves to write and also has her own SEMH and staff mental health blog: www.positiveyoungmind.com. Lynn…
Read more about Lynn How
What is your school doing to support social mobility?
Each year, the UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs) celebrate the secondary schools and colleges that are making an outstanding commitment to social mobility issues.
What exactly is social mobility and is your school ready to apply for this year’s SOMO Awards?
Social mobility is a phrase that’s not always talked about; therefore, the concept is widely misunderstood. So, it’s entirely possible that social mobility is on your school’s agenda already. Ask yourself the following:
- Are you offering the best start in life for pupils regardless of their socio-economic background?
- Does your school implement programmes that provide your students with employability and life skills?
- Are you doing something else entirely that ensures all students can thrive?
In its most simple terms, within a school setting, advancing social mobility means giving less-advantaged children the best possible chance to succeed. There are many ways in which schools might implement social mobility initiatives into their practice. Some previous SOMO winners include:
- Arranging school trips to corporate and other education establishments
- Providing interventions early on in secondary school and through primary feeder schools
- Providing opportunities such as summer schools, lectures delivered by local academics, long-term projects and taster sessions
- For fee-paying schools, offering bursaries, and scholarships for those from less-advantaged backgrounds.
What are the benefits of entering?
There are many benefits to entering the UK Social Mobility Awards.
- Showcase your achievements – Be acknowledged for your institution’s social mobility accomplishments. All entrants are included on the 2022 roll of honour.
- Inspire your school – Being upfront about the work you are doing is a good way to inspire your staff and current students. Celebrate your efforts with them and be proud of the difference you are making.
- Lead the way – Be a leader in social mobility and receive recognition from other schools and colleges. Share your story, gain valuable media coverage, and encourage others to do more in this important area.
How to enter the UK Social Mobility Awards
Entry to the UK Social Mobility Awards is free. To successfully submit an entry, you must complete the online application registration and complete a form. You can register online by visiting www.somo.uk.
The winners will be announced at our Awards Night Gala, which will be taking place on Thursday 13th October 2022, at the Royal Lancaster London. Guests will be provided with a three-course dinner and what promises to be a night to remember. The evening is a great networking opportunity, as organisations and institutions come together to celebrate the fantastic work being done to advance social mobility across the UK.
Let’s promote advancing social mobility together, so we can give less-advantaged children the best possible chance to succeed.
