We’re celebrating a huge win at Successful Mums Career Academy! Our Working in Schools Programme, developed in partnership with the Harris Federation, has just scooped a national award at the Quality Professional Awards for Further Education and Employability.
The programme won the Quality Collaboration, Employability category, recognising our trailblazing partnership with Harris to support parents, especially mums into meaningful, flexible, school-based careers.
This is the second award for this impactful programme and another proud moment in our mission to remove barriers and open up opportunities for mums across London.
From coffee mornings to careers in classrooms
Through our Find a Job You Love coffee mornings, educational webinars and the Working in Schools programme itself, we’re changing lives, building confidence and creating real social mobility , helping women into roles they didn’t even know existed. The programme blends our Back to Work and Confidence training with practical, school-based modules covering digital skills, CV support, Ofsted, safeguarding, Prevent, school etiquette and hands-on experience, leading to real, long-term results.
Launched in November 2023, the Working in Schools Programme was designed to tackle recruitment challenges in education, upskill parents and open doors for those looking to return to work in schools. In just 18 months, over 300 women have completed the programme, with 70% progressing into employment, volunteering or further study.
“Working with the Harris Federation has shown what’s possible when schools and specialist providers collaborate. We’ve helped women move into a wide range of roles, including teaching assistants, midday supervisors, senior leadership and even retraining as teachers, all with the flexibility to fit around family life along with heaps of social impact too.”
– Jane Knight, Founder, Successful Mums
As part of the programme, learners attend training sessions, termly webinars and gain valuable experience through guest speakers and optional placements in Harris academies.
“The course has been incredible, giving me valuable skills and boosting my confidence. I now work as a Teaching Assistant at Harris Academy.”
– Priya, Successful Mums Learner
And Harris Federation couldn’t be prouder of the collaboration.
“This isn’t just about filling vacancies and teacher recruitment; it’s about reducing unemployment, supporting parents off benefits, tackling child poverty and driving social mobility , especially in London’s most disadvantaged communities.”
– Jacqui Lomas, Director of School Improvement, Harris Federation
Whether you’ve been out of work for months or years, this programme is for women returners who are interested in working in education. No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to learn, grow and take that next step.
As the programme grows, we’re partnering with even more schools and academies across London to open doors for women ready to return to work. This is more than training, it’s social value at its best, its transformational. If you’re ready to find a job you love, now’s the time to take that first step.
We’re making it happen. Join us and get involved. If you would like to join the fully funded programme, then register your interest HERE.
Referral partners please refer your customers to hello@succesfulmums.co.uk
Funders, sponsors and schools please get in touch for partnership opportunities to jane@successfulmums.co.uk