Ben Eason represented the TKAT ACE Pupil Premium programme at the Sec Ed National PP Conference in Birmingham, where he had the opportunity to engage with a large, highly engaged audience. The event provided a platform for Ben to share the innovative work being done through the ACE programme, focusing on its impact on disadvantaged children across both primary and secondary schools. The impact of TKAT ACE in its simple and clear form and exploring it from its infancy to current day captivated the attendees, sparking a flurry of keen questions from educators eager to learn more about the strategies that have proven successful in supporting these students.

A key aspect of the discussion was the role of ACE Tutors in forming positive relationships with families, which is critical for supporting students' progress. Ben highlighted how ACE Tutors work closely with families to diagnose barriers to learning and set ambitious, incremental targets tailored to each student's unique needs. This approach, combining personalized support and close family engagement, has shown significant success in breaking down barriers to learning. Ben also used the platform to celebrate the incredible work being done in TKAT schools, showcasing how educators across both primary and secondary settings are tirelessly working to support disadvantaged children and celebrating the tangible successes they've achieved. The event served as both a reflection of the positive impact the programme is having and an opportunity to inspire others to adopt similar approaches in their own schools.

On Wednesday, March 26th, I had the opportunity to present at the National Pupil Premium Conference 2025, an online event hosted by Government Events. The conference brought together educators and professionals to discuss strategic approaches to addressing Pupil Premium funding. 

During my presentation, I shared insights into TKAT ACE, highlighting its innovative approach to supporting disadvantaged pupils. A key aspect of the program is its emphasis on relationship building. The ACE tutors are trained to develop deep, meaningful connections not only with students but also with their parents and carers. This holistic approach enables tutors to effectively understand and advocate for each student's unique needs, both within the school environment and beyond. 

I presented compelling evidence demonstrating TKAT ACE's significant impact on various outcomes. The program has shown remarkable improvements in areas such as student goal orientation, motivation, school engagement, attendance, and overall well-being. These results highlight the program's effectiveness in narrowing the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils. 

The conference attendees responded enthusiastically to my presentation, engaging with thoughtful questions about the program's provisions and impact. It was a rewarding experience to showcase TKAT ACE's successful work across the Trust's schools and contribute to the broader conversation about educational provisions to support all young people.