Personal Development and Growth

Supporting every student to thrive – in school and beyond

At Outwood Grange Academies Trust, we believe that education is about more than just academic success – it's about helping every young person grow, flourish, and prepare for life beyond the classroom. Our Personal Development and Growth Programme gives all students dedicated time each day to develop essential skills, knowledge, and confidence for success beyond school.

What is the Personal Development and Growth Programme?

The programme is built into the school day for all secondary academies. Every student takes part in a daily 30-minute session designed to support their personal development. The programme is tailored for each Key Stage (KS3, KS4, and KS5) and includes a broad range of learning opportunities:

  • Outwood Personal Development and Growth: covering relationships, health, citizenship, character development, and life skills
  • Outwood Futures: careers education and financial literacy to help students make informed choices
  • Outwood Reads: reading diverse texts, including classics, non-fiction, and books celebrating different cultures
  • Assembly Programme: weekly assemblies and follow-up activities focusing on resilience, teamwork, and positive mindset
  • Votes for Schools: engaging debates on real-world issues, helping students develop their voice and political literacy
  • Academic Mentoring: individual support for students in KS4 and KS5 to consolidate learning and build confidence

There's also space for schools to personalise the programme, addressing local priorities such as recognising achievement, safeguarding updates, or key messages.

Learning Journey

Why is personal development important?

Personal development is essential for helping young people succeed in school, work, and life. Research shows that structured personal development programmes:

  • build resilience, self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • support mental health and wellbeing, especially after the challenges of the pandemic
  • improve engagement, attendance and behaviour
  • equip students with the skills and confidence to make informed decisions, manage finances and navigate relationships and digital environments
  • promote equity, ensuring all students, regardless of background, receive the same opportunities to grow

What does the programme look like?

Key stage 3 (years 7 to 9)

  • Outwood Reads: shared reading of fiction, non-fiction, and texts celebrating diversity
  • Outwood Personal Development and Growth: RSHE, citizenship, and character education
  • Outwood Futures: careers and financial education
  • Assemblies
  • Votes for Schools

Key stage 4 (years 10 and 11)

  • Continuation of Outwood Personal Development and Growth, Outwood Futures and Assemblies
  • Academic mentoring: support in key subjects to secure academic outcomes

Key stage 5 (years 12 and 13)

  • Continuation of Outwood Personal Development and Growth, Outwood Futures and Assemblies
  • Personalised mentoring and guidance to support post-16 and post-18 transitions

How does it benefit students?

The programme helps students develop the skills and mindset they need to thrive, including:

  • Mindset: resilience, curiosity and independence
  • Skillset: problem-solving, organisation and collaboration
  • Heartset: respect, empathy and positivity

Through these strands, students learn not just to succeed academically, but to be confident, responsible, and safe young people.

High Performance Foundation

Our assembly programme incorporates sessions developed in conjunction with the High Performance Foundation, a UK-based independent charity which focuses on building mental strength, resilience and employability skills in young people.

How we support our schools

All resources, lesson plans, and materials are provided centrally, making delivery straightforward for teachers. Schools can adapt content where needed, while remaining aligned with the Trust-wide programme. Staff receive guidance, training, and support to confidently deliver all elements, including RSHE and financial literacy.

How the programme works

The Personal Development and Growth Programme reflects the values and priorities of Outwood, while providing flexibility for individual academies to address their communities' needs. It complements the wider curriculum and ensures that every student receives a high-quality, consistent, and structured approach to personal growth.

Find out more about the programme

The Personal Development and Growth Programme is more than lessons – it's a commitment to giving every student the tools, experiences, and support they need to thrive in school, life, and the world beyond. You can read our RSHE policy on our policies page.

Sample materials

To discuss the programme, please contact the school.