We want to see an education system in Scotland which acts as a pathway out of poverty. We want to support solutions which enable those experiencing poverty and trauma to access and participate in education, developing skills, capabilities, resilience and achievements that will help them thrive.
Education can act as a route out of poverty, but the current system does not work for everyone. The impacts of poverty and trauma affect access, participation, engagement, and attainment throughout the learner journey, in turn influencing labour market outcomes and perpetuating cycles of disadvantage.
Despite some progress in narrowing the poverty-related attainment gap, learners experiencing multiple challenges at home continue to face barriers to achieving their potential, including participation in post-16 learning and access to university. Recent disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, have had disproportionate impacts on these learners.
Through our work on Education Pathways, we aim to improve engagement and attendance in school, support learners at key transition points, and increase access and participation in post-16 education. We also seek to support initiatives that explore alternative learner pathways and systemic changes, contributing to a stronger evidence base and advocacy for education systems that better meet the needs of people experiencing poverty and trauma.
In order to stay up-to-date with our work in this area, all updates will be shared on this page. You can also join our mailing list or follow our social channels.
Types of initiatives could include: Widening access to education, engaging families in learning, mentoring schemes, tutoring, digital skills and access, youth work, volunteering, apprenticeships and practical placement learning.
Find out more about how to apply here.
We currently do not have any open calls for our Programme Awards.
To keep informed of future funding opportunities, you can sign up to our mailing list or follow our social channels.
Types of initiatives could include: Widening access to education, engaging families in learning, mentoring schemes, tutoring, digital skills and access, youth work, volunteering, apprenticeships and practical placement learning.
Find out more about how to apply here.
We currently do not have any open calls for our Programme Awards.
To keep informed of future funding opportunities, you can sign up to our mailing list or follow our social channels.
The Robertson Trust Scholarship (RTS) aims to improve routes into higher education, supporting students to complete their studies and prepare for life after graduation.
If you would like to find out more about RTS and how to make a nomination, please click the 'Learn More' button
