Evaluation Report Empower Boys Programme 2024-25
Executive Summary
The Empower Boys Programme is a school‐based intervention developed and delivered by the Southern Universities Network( SUN) during the 2024 – 25 academic year. The programme responds directly to persistent gender gaps in engagement, attainment, and progression into higher education, particularly among disadvantaged boys, and is grounded in current research on boys’ motivation, masculinity, and educational disengagement, including the Taking Boys Seriously principles.
The programme was designed as a strengths‐based, discussion‐led intervention focused on improving boys’ self‐efficacy, emotional literacy, resilience, motivation, and sense of academic agency. It provides a safe and structured space for boys to reflect on identity, challenges, motivation, and future goals, while also amplifying student voice within and beyond the classroom.
Programme Delivery
During 2024 – 25, the programme was delivered in 10 secondary schools, engaging 178 learners across Years 9 and 10, including 71 Uni Connect learners. Schools were asked to nominate boys who were perceived to be disengaged or beginning to disengage from education, with a particular focus on students from Uni Connect target postcodes and / or those eligible for Free School Meals.
Each school received two 2‐hour workshops, delivered 2 – 3 weeks apart, using interactive activities, facilitated discussion, storytelling, and reflection. The total delivery cost was approximately £ 6,600, equating to around £ 37 per student, representing a cost‐effective intervention for targeted groups.
Evaluation Approach
Impact was evaluated using pre‐ and post‐programme surveys aligned with the SUN Progression and Evaluation Frameworks. A matched dataset of 127 learners( 76 % completion rate) enabled robust pre‐post analysis using:
• Paired t‐tests( statistical significance)
• Cohen’ s d( effect size)
• Pearson correlation( reliability of change)