Watch our film on our schools partnership with Victory Park Academy

Essex VVU schools programme uses evidence based interventions to partnership with schools in pre-identified geographical locations to reduce risks for pupils and improve protective factors for young people in the area

Victory Park Academy, in Southend supports up to 101 students to rebuild confidence, enjoy learning again, and prepare for a positive future.

Many of the young people who attend have experienced social, emotional, SEND and mental health needs, have previously been persistently absent from school and/or at risk of exploitation.

But, since partnering with Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit (VVU), engagement, attendance and behaviour have improved and suspensions have dropped – with young people “becoming safer and less vulnerable”, according to their headteacher.

Engaging in, and attending education, is proven to reduce the risk of future involvement in violence for young people.

Since partnering with Essex VVU and introducing positive interventions and enrichment, the school now reports 77.5 per cent attendance, compared to the national average for alternative provisions of 59 per cent.

Our film speaks to the teachers and pupils of Victory Park and hears how the partnership has had a a positive impact on all those who attend the school.

FACT FILE
• Victory Park Academy attendance 77.5%, compared to 59% nationally
• Physical interventions reduced by 92%
• Suspensions down by 61.5%
• 95% of students achieve English and maths qualifications
• No NEETs in 2026 Y11 leavers