Poverty Proofing and Attainment Champions: interim evaluation

The report presents the final evaluation findings for Attainment Champions and interim findings for Poverty Proofing. The Attainment Champions programme and its evaluation have concluded. Poverty Proofing has been extended through the 2026 to 2027 academic year, and its evaluation is ongoing.

Attainment Champions

School leaders valued collaboration, peer learning and the opportunity to develop locally appropriate responses to poverty-related barriers. They reported improved awareness of poverty, greater learner engagement and changes to school practices.

The evidence is based mainly on participants’ reflections after the programme ended. It therefore provides information about their experiences and perceived outcomes, rather than definitive evidence of impact.

Poverty Proofing

Schools generally found the training and audit process useful for reflecting on how poverty affects school policies and practices. Reported changes included uniform hubs, revised approaches to school trips, more flexible payment arrangements and greater awareness of hidden costs.

It remains too early to assess the programme’s outcomes with confidence. Evidence of changes for learners and families was limited, and participation in the evaluation was lower than planned. The ongoing evaluation will examine the extended Poverty Proofing pilot and develop final conclusions and recommendations.