Voices of Make Happen: De La Salle

Hazel: We have been working with Make Happen for over ten years. Like many successful partnerships, it began when we were offered additional support and opportunities for our students, and I was keen to take advantage of everything available. At De La Salle, we have always aimed to provide the very best for our students, encouraging them to aspire highly both academically and in their post-16 pathways.

Over the years, we have worked with several different Make Happen outreach officers, and every one of them has been a pleasure to work with. They have consistently provided high-quality support and have helped us deliver a comprehensive programme of activities, even as priorities and requirements have evolved over time.

Hazel: Make Happen has played a significant role in broadening our students’ horizons and helping them make informed decisions about their futures. Through a wide range of activities—including mentoring programmes, mock interview preparation and delivery, university visits, taster sessions, theatre productions, revision workshops, and resources such as Made Revision during the pandemic—students have been exposed to opportunities they may not otherwise have experienced.

One of the most valuable aspects of the programme is its ability to reach students from all backgrounds. While high-attaining students certainly benefit, it is often those who have had less exposure to higher education, career pathways, and wider cultural experiences who gain the most. Make Happen helps to bridge that gap by providing experiences and aspirations that can genuinely change students’ perceptions of what is possible for their future.

Hazel: One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Make Happen has been seeing students grow in confidence through mentoring and university outreach activities. We have had students who initially lacked confidence in their abilities or had never considered higher education as an option. Following mentoring sessions and university visits, many have returned with a renewed sense of purpose and ambition, setting themselves goals that they previously would not have thought achievable. Seeing those shifts in mindset is often the greatest measure of success.

Hazel: We are particularly interested in continuing our involvement with targeted support programmes, including Year 9 mentoring, university visits, taster sessions, theatre productions, and revision workshops. These activities have consistently delivered positive outcomes for our students, and we look forward to building on that success in the coming year.

Hazel: My advice would be to engage fully with the opportunities available and to invest time in building a strong relationship with your Make Happen outreach officer. They are passionate about supporting young people and are always willing to tailor activities to meet the needs of your students. The more you engage with the programme, the greater the benefits you will see for your school community.