From A Difficult Start To A Brighter Future: Louise’s Story

Louise, 17, lives in Parkgate, Rotherham - an area that typically falls within the top 10–20% most deprived communities nationally and is affected by employment barriers and poor health outcomes. She was referred to Street League by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council’s Looked After Children’s service. Louise wanted to gain Maths and English qualifications to help her progress onto a Level 3 course. Staff first met her at her accommodation, began building a rapport, and then invited her to the Academy induction commitment sessions.

In recent years, Louise has faced significant challenges. She spent time living outside Rotherham, experienced difficulties linked to family issues, lived in supported accommodation, and moved between different areas before settling in Rotherham.

From the outset, Louise showed strong commitment and effort, attending all pre-programme induction sessions to secure her place on the Academy. She now has one of the highest attendance records, is consistently punctual, and communicates well with staff when needed. Louise has fully engaged in every activity, from English writing tasks and maths problems to employability sessions such as peer-to-peer mock interviews and games of badminton.

Louise is well regarded by her peers and has developed a strong friendship with another participant. Spending time together outside Street League has helped Louise build her social skills and shows the wider impact the Academy can have on young people’s lives.

Thanks to her hard work and determination, Louise is on track to achieve all her qualifications, including Level 2 Maths, Level 2 English, and the Level 1 Award in Progression for Customer Service and Preparing for Work, as the Academy enters its final quarter.

Alongside her progress at the Street League Academy, Louise is taking driving lessons and has recently passed her theory test. She has also moved into independent accommodation, a step she has approached with maturity and support from her social worker. These achievements have strengthened her confidence and independence, supporting her ongoing development.

So, what’s next for Louise? After completing her Street League qualifications, she has secured a place on a Level 3 Hair and Beauty course at Learning Curve Group in September 2026, where she will continue working towards a career in the health and beauty industry. Outside Street League, her next goal is to pass her driving test.

Achievements and goals are not only about the final outcome; they are also about progress, effort, and making the most of opportunities. That is exactly what Louise is doing—embracing every opportunity and using it to move forward.

Louise said, “I’m loving my time on the Street League programme. The staff are so helpful and friendly, and they have helped me believe in myself much more.”

Kelly Milner, Louise’s Functional Skills Tutor, said, “Louise works very hard in every Maths and English session and asks questions when she is unsure. It has been great to see her make friends, and her confidence has grown massively.”