Inspiring Futures in Islington

The annual visit to programmes supported by the Dame Alice Owen Foundation in Islington took place on 28 January 2026, offering a valuable opportunity to see the progress being made across a wide range of educational initiatives.

Hosted at Central Foundation School for Boys, the day brought together representatives from the Brewers’ Company, the Foundation and the local authority to hear how DAOF funding continues to create meaningful opportunities for children and young people.

The day began with an overview of the Borough’s ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for young people, followed by a series of often moving presentations from project leads, as well as the young people benefitting from the programmes.

Upward Bound shared how its long‑running weekend programme continues to boost confidence, motivation and academic achievement for students at key stages 3 and 4. Its holistic approach which combines academic support with mentoring and enrichment helps young people re‑engage with their learning and raise their aspirations.

The Enrichment Hub highlighted its work supporting children aged 5-16 who face adversity. The team described how creative, therapeutic and wellbeing‑focused enrichment sessions help young people build resilience, develop emotional regulation and thrive both socially and academically.

The visit also included an update from Science for Life, which continues to strengthen science education across the Borough. The initiative provides enrichment activities, hands‑on experiences and teacher development opportunities designed to increase pupils’ confidence and interest in STEM subjects from primary school onwards.

After lunch, the Empower: World of Work project team demonstrated how they raise career awareness and supports students at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training) through tailored workshops, workplace visits and skills‑building sessions. By helping young people explore new pathways, Empower equips them with the confidence and capabilities needed for future success.

Music‑focused organisations rounded off the day. Music Education Islington, supported by Guildhall School of Music & Drama, showcased inclusive opportunities ranging from music therapy and creative workshops to industry‑linked projects for older students. Meanwhile, the Music in Secondary Schools Trust highlighted the impact of ensuring consistent access to musical instruments and tuition across Islington’s secondary schools, opening up creative and performance opportunities for all.

Across every presentation, the message was clear: long‑term investment in education, wellbeing and creativity is helping young people across Islington to thrive. The visit once again demonstrated the strength of the partnerships behind these programmes and reaffirmed that DAOF funding is supporting Islington Council in their mission to ensure that every young person in the Borough, whatever their background, has the chance to flourish.