One Degree, the UK charity transforming young lives through tailored mentoring, is set to double the number of students it supports from disadvantaged backgrounds over the next three years – expanding beyond London for the first time in its history.
Through a new phase of growth alongside Ark, the charity will bring its proven mentoring programme to schools across England, reaching hundreds more young people in need of academic and personal support.
To date, 918 students from less privileged backgrounds have accessed One Degree’s life-changing mentoring programme. With seven additional schools targeted over the next three years, the charity expects to support a further 800 students nationwide.
The programme combines one-on-one mentoring, on-demand learning and career guidance, equipping GCSE-age students not only to achieve academic success, but also to build confidence, resilience and employability skills.
CEO of One Degree, Roger Wynne-Dyke, said: “Our national expansion is a game-changer for the charity. For the first time, we can offer our holistic mentoring approach to students outside London, helping them unlock their potential and create pathways to further education and meaningful careers.”
One Degree’s impact is already evident. Since its founding in 2009, the charity has supported almost 1,000 students, with recent cohorts seeing up to a 30% increase in grades. In one Greater London school, students in the programme achieved a 100% Maths pass rate.
One former student, Eliott C, is now a 25-year-old DJ and producer performing internationally under the name ‘CONFLUENCE’.
Struggling with confidence in English and maths during his GCSEs at Westminster Academy, Eliott joined the One Degree programme, where he improved academically while building key communication and teamwork skills. He has since performed for major brands including Guerlain and Eurostar, and featured in Simon Squibb’s ‘What’s Your Dream’ series.
Reflecting on his journey, Eliott said: “Joining One Degree really helped me with maths and English. At first I was worried it would take too much time away from making music, but it quickly became a second family. The confidence I gained means I can communicate easily with global clients, producers and event managers.
“Whether I’m negotiating a gig in Paris or collaborating on a track in London, I feel equipped to put myself forward and take opportunities—skills that have been crucial in building my international DJ career.”
Roger (pictured) added: “Our national expansion represents a unique opportunity for further corporate partners and volunteers to get involved. Businesses who want to support or provide mentors can help shape the next generation of UK talent.”
To find out more, visit https://myonedegree.org/ or https://myonedegree.org/contact/.
