Pinsent Masons and Cockburn School, Leeds

Pinsent Masons and Cockburn worked together to set objectives focussed on the School's primary need for support with literacy and numeracy.  The school wanted a partner to work with students who were not achieving academically, and often had low confidence and aspirations.  This aim fitted perfectly with Pinsent Masons’ objective of working holistically to improve both academic ability and soft skills. 

The focus of the partnership is reading and maths mentoring, and more recently year 8 and 9 girls' life mentoring, reflecting Pinsent Masons’ appreciation that basic skills need to be learned in a way that equips young people to approach employment with confidence and to achieve their full potential.  Staff from all departments within the firm volunteer to improve the level of academic attainment, and aspirations of the children.  This has helped to encourage greater interaction and increased staff motivation and retention.

Through the partnership, Pinsent Masons has developed a relationship of trust with the School. Their weekly visits allow them to monitor progress and address any issues as they arise. The mentoring programme is based on a method of ‘staff partnering’, ensuring that a level of continuity and commitment is provided to the pupils.

Pinsent Masons objectives have developed over time, and 'helping children to achieve their potential' now also means breaking down the perceived barriers which would have traditionally prevented many Cockburn students considering a career in a professional office.  Pinsent Masons’ staff have supported enterprise days, careers workshops and a photography competition, whilst the year 8/9 girls' mentoring programme provides female role models and raises aspirations. The success of their relationship with Cockburn School has encouraged greater participation in their CR programme and inspired a series of school partnerships across their offices.