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A class of primary school pupils wearing red sweaters raise their hands during a lesson.

Accelerator for Primary Schools

2024-25

Apply

Apply early!
Get optional early access to training before this summer

Early Bird deadline:
‍Apply by 23 February to start the programme in March

Round 1 deadline:
‍Apply by 29 March to start the programme in April

Round 2 Deadline:
‍Apply by 24 May to start the programme in June

Round 3 Deadline:
‍Apply by 5 July to start the programme in September

Cost

£2,300 (200 fully-funded places)

Apply now
Register interest
Programme details
A map of schools in the UK that are on the Accelerator Programme

The Skills Builder Accelerator is the flagship programme for primary schools. You nominate a ‘Skills Leader’ and a member of the senior leadership team to work closely with us. Together, we’ll develop a complete strategy for achieving excellence in building pupils’ essential skills. At its core, the programme will upskill staff, including on how to best use our online resources and assessment tools.

At the end of the first year, you’ll have a sustainable, long-term plan, a team of confident teachers, demonstrable pupil progress and a Skills Builder Award. Pupils at schools like yours make, on average, twice as much progress as comparable peers with the Accelerator programme.

Check my eligibility

We fundraise over £500,000 to create 200 fully-funded places on the Accelerator each year. Anyone can apply to join the programme, and you might be eligible to apply for a funded place.

Check my eligibility
A teacher works with his students during a craft activity to help develop their Problem Solving skills.

Teacher confidence

95% of Skills Leaders report impact in the first term on teachers’ confidence building essential skills
A primary age pupil in a red sweater practices their handwriting by writing a story - this also practices their Creativity skills.

Pupil Progress

Pupils make 2.7 times more progress in their essential skills on Accelerator
A group of pupils in grey blazers are shown a Computer Aided Design software by their teacher - who explains what it's for and how it's used. This helps to build their Listening skills.

Demonstrable Impact

Achieving the Skills Builder Award demonstrates an excellent standard of essential skills teaching

What Secondary Skills Leaders say about the (Skills Builder) Accelerator

Truly amazing and inspirational to collaborate with other leaders, hear their successes and how they have overcome challenges

Skills Leader

It is, at heart, an inspiring concept that prompts better practice and therefore student outcomes.

Careers Leader

I'm developing a bespoke strategy that is manageable but also has impact - best of both worlds!

Skills Leader

It wasn’t until we really started the programme that we realised it’s what we’ve always been looking for.

Skills Leader

The programme can really tap into some of those talents,  aptitudes and skills that we may not see in the delivery of the regular curriculum.

Headteacher

The Skills Leader training has been very effective. The fact that we are going for an award makes us focus more and put actions in place to achieve.

Skills Leader

What Specialist Skills Leaders say about the (Skills Builder) Accelerator

Truly amazing and inspirational to collaborate with other leaders, hear their successes and how they have overcome challenges

Skills Leader

It is, at heart, an inspiring concept that prompts better practice and therefore student outcomes.

Careers Leader

I'm developing a bespoke strategy that is manageable but also has impact - best of both worlds!

Skills Leader

It wasn’t until we really started the programme that we realised it’s what we’ve always been looking for.

Skills Leader

The programme can really tap into some of those talents, aptitudes and skills that we may not see in the delivery of the regular curriculum.

Headteacher

It is easy to engage teachers when everything is there at the click of the button

Skills Leader

What College Leaders say about the (Skills Builder) Accelerator

I enjoyed that it had lots of breakout rooms with my own colleagues and leaders from other colleges and schools too.

Headteacher

It was fab to hear an adult learner recounting his delight at going into his placement school and realising they were a Skills Builder school!

Skills Leader, Solihull College

 It was perfect. Really good balance between instruction and activity. Great way to introduce all the platforms.

Skills Leader

The trainer was really engaging and passionate about it. I can clearly see how this programme will benefit our setting.

Careers Leader

Very well organised, knowledgeable, confident and positive facilitators and supportive discussion and reflection time.

Skills Leader

What Primary Skills Leaders say about the (Skills Builder) Accelerator

Skills Builder has become an inextricable part of our school's identity

Headteacher

I'm developing a bespoke strategy that is manageable but also has impact - best of both worlds!

Skills Leader

It wasn’t until we really started the programme that we realised it’s what we’ve always been looking for.

Skills Leader

The programme can really tap into some of those talents, aptitudes and skills that we may not see in the delivery of the regular curriculum.

Headteacher

I’ve found the CPD opportunities really, really helpful. Particularly around leading change, changing the culture of the school, and supporting colleagues… I feel well supported to make any changes.

Skills Leader

Overview
Programme
Key Dates
FAQ
Awards
Stories
The Partnership

Accelerator overview 

What is the Accelerator Programme? 

The Accelerator is a year-long training and development programme. 

At the end of the first year you will have:

  • An expert lead practitioner known as your ‘Skills Leader’
  • A team of confident trained teachers
  • Demonstrable pupil progress in eight essential skills
  • A Skills Builder Award in recognition of best practice 

How does the Accelerator programme work? 

Places are limited. You’ll join a cohort of just 200 UK schools. We’ll match you with a dedicated Skills Builder Education Associate who is a qualified teacher. Your programme will include Skills Leader and teacher training, peer learning opportunities, planning meetings, and a complete curriculum and assessment model for your pupils. 

What could you do on an Accelerator programme?

Primary schools tailor the programme to fit existing curriculum plans, careers strategies and school priorities. 

Skills Builder, at its best, is embedded throughout your ethos and practices: policies, staff training, the curriculum, assemblies, and more. Here are some ways others have got started. You might:

  • Focus on one skill per half term, with pupils from EYFS through to Key Stage 2. 
  • Introduce the focus skill in an assembly and use fun, easy to access resources (from the Skills Builder Hub) to build the skill during dedicated time for skills. 
  • Reward pupils for their skill application using skill certificates in celebration assemblies, attended by parents.  
  • Work with curriculum leaders to reinforce skills throughout school life, by linking skills and steps to existing medium term plans. Many use the staff training time for these workshops.
  • Audit extra-curricular activities, before school and afterschool clubs, then map essential skills to identify any gaps in provision. 
  • Align the skills to school events taking place throughout the academic year. Focus days and weeks are a great way to bring skills to life, perhaps through projects or challenge based resources. 

Pupils on an Accelerator Programme make twice the progress building their essential skills.

A horizontal bar chart displaying steps of progress made within a year in different settings. Schools without a Skills Builder programme can hope to achieve 0.57 steps of progress on average. Schools using our Digital Resources can achieve 1.38 steps. And Schools on the Accelerator programme can look forward to achieving an average of 1.52 steps of progress a year.
1. Skills Builder Impact Report 2023

‍

Download prospectus
Apply early and get started this academic year.
Apply now
Check my eligibility
Click on each of the Accelerator elements to find out more.
Scroll right to see the whole journey, then tap on each of the elements to learn more.
TERM 1
TERM 2
TERM 3
Touchpoints with Skills Builder
Skills Leader Training Days
Skills Leader Training Day 1
Skills Leader Training Day 2
Planning Meetings
Strategy Meeting 1
Strategy Meeting 2
Strategy Meeting 3
Teacher Training Sessions
Teacher Training Session 1
Teacher Training Session 2
Online all-through support
Premium Resources
Online Tools & Resources
Peer Learning & Events
Download prospectus
Early Bird deadline:
23 February 2024
Round 1 deadline:
29 March 2024
Round 2 deadline:
24 May 2024
Round 3 deadline:
5 July 2024
1
Register interest
Get the prospectus, tips on applying and latest updates on funded places in your area - click here
2
Speak to us
Pick a time to preview the programme and ask your questions
3
Send us an email
Still have questions? Email us at accelerator@skillsbuilder.org and we will be in touch
Download prospectus
Apply early and get started this academic year.
Apply now
Check my eligibility

Programme

How much time do I need to commit to the programme?
Should I be the Skills Leader?
Who do Skills Builder work with already?

Applications

How do I apply for the Skills Builder Accelerator programme?
What makes a successful Accelerator application?
What happens if my application is successful?
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

Eligibility

How much does it cost, and am I eligible to apply for a funded place?
I am at an independent college, can I apply?
I am not in the UK, can I apply?

Implementation

How can this fit with the other priorities in my college?
Do I need to teach all eight skills?
Our curriculum is already full. How can this fit in with our timetable?
Where should we start? Tutor time or across the curriculum?
Which department should I do this with?
We’re preparing for Ofsted – how does this fit in?

Learners

Are resources appropriate for older learners?

Careers

How would our careers/work experience curriculum be enhanced by the programme?
We already use a careers management platform. How will this align with that?
Will using Skills Builder help me achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks?

Programme

How much time do I need to commit to the programme?
Should I be the Skills Leader?
Who do Skills Builder work with already?

Applications

How do I apply for the Skills Builder Accelerator programme?
What makes a successful Accelerator application?
What happens if my application is successful?
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

Eligibility

How much does it cost, and am I eligible to apply for a funded place?
I am at an independent school, can I apply?
I am not in the UK, can I apply?

Implementation

How can this fit with the other priorities in my school?
Do I need to teach all eight skills?
Our curriculum is already full. How can this fit in with our timetable?
Where should we start? Tutor time or across the curriculum?
Can it work with vertical tutor groups?
Can I start with one year group?
Which department should I do this with?
We’re preparing for Ofsted – how does this fit in?
How can we communicate with and involve parents?

Students

Is this suitable for KS3 all the way through to KS5? Are resources appropriate for older learners - such as sixth-form students?

Careers

How would our careers/work experience curriculum be enhanced by the programme?
We already use a careers management platform. How will this align with that?
Will using Skills Builder help me achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks?

Programme

How much time do I need to commit to the programme?
Should I be the Skills Leader?
Who do Skills Builder work with already?

Applications

How do I apply for the Skills Builder Accelerator programme?
What makes a successful Accelerator application?
What happens if my application is successful?
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

Eligibility

How much does it cost, and am I eligible to apply for a funded place?
I am at an independent school, can I apply?
I am not in the UK, can I apply?

Implementation

How can this fit with the other priorities in my setting?
Do I need to teach all eight skills?
Our curriculum is already full. How can this fit in with our timetable?
Where should we start?
We’re preparing for Ofsted – how does this fit in?
How can we communicate with and involve parents?
We are spread across more than one base. Do we have to do it with everyone?

SEND Learners

Are the resources appropriate for learners with SEND?
How does this support preparation for adulthood?
What will progress look like for children with SEND?
How can we assess our students against their skills?
How do you make resources accessible for learners with SEND?
Can resources be adapted to suit our SEND learners’ needs?
Is there a level of literacy/reading age required for learners to access the framework?
Is Skills Builder appropriate for PMLD and autistic students?

Careers

Lots of my learners may not ever enter the world of work, how is it relevant to them?

Programme

How much time do I need to commit to the programme
Should I be the Skills Leader?
Who do Skills Builder work with already?

Applications

How do I apply for the Skills Builder Accelerator programme?
What makes a successful Accelerator application?
What happens if my application is successful?
What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

Eligibility

How much does it cost, and am I eligible to apply for a funded place?
I am at an independent school, can I apply?
I am not in the UK, can I apply?

Implementation

How can this fit with the other priorities in my school?
Do I need to teach all eight skills?
How can Skills Builder support EYFS skills progression and key stage one pupils?
We use a values-based education approach. How might Skills Builder support what we’re already doing?
How can this fit in with project-based learning?
Can we tailor this to our school’s academic calendar of events, such as focus days and weeks?
We’re preparing for Ofsted – how does this fit in?
How can we communicate with and involve parents?
Is there a particular subject that Skills Builder has to be used in?

Pupils

Is there a particular key stage that this would be most suitable for?
Can my pupils self-assess online?
Download prospectus
Apply early and get started this academic year.
Apply now
Check my eligibility
The Skills Builder Bronze Award
Recognises primary schools who are making a commitment to building essential skills. Some teachers will be using the Universal Framework with some children
The Skills Builder Silver Award
Recognises primary schools who are embedding the 6 Skills Builder Principles. Majority of teachers will be building essential skills across the curriculum
The Skills Builder Gold Award
Recognises primary schools who model exceptional practice across the institution. All teachers will confidently integrate essential skills into daily practice

What is the Skills Builder Award?

  • The goal is to equip your children with the essential skills they need to succeed in education, wider life and future employment.
  • The Skills Builder Award recognises primary schools who are delivering high-quality essential skills education at a Bronze, Silver and Gold standard.
  • You will achieve an Award by embedding principles of best practice outlined in the Award Guide.
  • You will work closely with your Education Associate in three Planning Meetings to develop and implement a manageable, long-term plan.
  • Awards are dated for three years and reviewed annually by our team.
Visit the Case Studies Showcase to see stories from schools and colleges across the country...
A screenshot of the Case Studies Showcase webpage.
Download prospectus
Apply early and get started this academic year.
Apply now
Check my eligibility
 

William Tyndale Primary School

“Giving children opportunities to develop their skills, learn about careers, and empower them to learn through inspirational experiences was at the heart of developing our Skills Builder curriculum, ensuring all children are equipped with skills for life.”

Sophie Gavalda
Head Teacher, William Tyndale Primary

Sophie Gavalda is Head Teacher at William Tyndale. She has been working with Skills Builder since 2013. Their approach is deeply integrated and long-term. They have a structured whole-school programme which involves the wider community. This way, all pupils - from Nursery to Year 6 - develop essential skills explicitly and make progress year on year. 

Read William Tyndale’s Case Study here.

Visit the Case Studies Showcase to see stories from schools and colleges across the country...
A screenshot of the Case Studies Showcase webpage.
United Kingdom
Yorkshire and the Humber
Primary
Co-op Academy Princeville
Gold
Gold
Gold
Gold
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
East of England
Primary
Dale Hall Community Primary School
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
Yorkshire and the Humber
Primary
Co-op Academy Woodlands
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
North East England
Primary
Central & Bothal Primary Schools
Gold
Gold
Gold
Gold
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
West Midlands
Primary
Knutton St Marys CofE Academy
Gold
Gold
Gold
Gold
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
West Midlands
Primary
Our Lady's Catholic Primary School
Flagship
Flagship
Flagship
Flagship
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
South East England
Secondary
Brune Park Community School
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
North East England
Secondary
Hexham Middle School
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
North West England
Secondary
Morecambe Bay Academy
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
Greater London
Secondary
Oaks Park High School
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
North West England
Secondary
Penketh High School
Gold
Gold
Gold
Gold
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
North West England
Secondary
Pioneer House High School
Flagship
Flagship
Flagship
Flagship
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
North West England
Special
Hillside Specialist School and College
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
West Midlands
Special
James Brindley School
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
South East England
Special
Bradfields Academy
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
South East England
Special
Cleeve Meadow School
Gold
Gold
Gold
Gold
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
East Midlands
Special
Maplefields Academy
Gold
Gold
Gold
Gold
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
Yorkshire and the Humber
Special
Craven Pupil Referral Service
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
Greater London
16 plus
Newham College of Further Education
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
Greater London
16 plus
Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
West Midlands
16 plus
Newfriars College
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
Greater London
16 plus
The London Screen Academy
Silver
Silver
Silver
Silver
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
North East England
16 plus
Newcastle College
Flagship
Flagship
Flagship
Flagship
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
United Kingdom
South East England
College
LINK19 College
Gold
Gold
Gold
Gold
scotland
northern-ireland
wales
north-east
north-west
yorkshire-and-the-humber
west-midlands
east-midlands
south-west
east
south-east
prim
secondary
colleges
special
gold
silver
bronze
alternative
greater-london
Download prospectus
Apply early and get started this academic year.
Apply now
Check my eligibility

Skills Builder Partnership 

The Skills Builder Partnership brings together 900+ education institutions, employers and leading organisations around a common approach to building eight essential skills. Central to our approach is our rigorous progression framework, a set of underlying principles and a complete suite of tools and teaching materials. 

An image displaying our Collective Impact Partners. Organisations in this list include: The Adecco Group, Allen & Overy, Argent, Baker McKenzie, Birmingham Airport, BP, CIPD, Coast to Capital, East Sussex Careers Hub, Edge Foundation, Ednovators, Four acre trust, Gatsby, Heathrow Airport, hepp-SY, Higgins Partnerships, HS2, KPMG, LGT Wealth Management, Linklater’s, Lloyds Bank, London Stock Exchange Group, Network Rail, Oliver Bonas, Places for People, the Rural Payments Agency, Savannah Wisdom, Sir James Knott Trust, The Guinness Partnership, UBS, Wates, and Wembley Park.

The Skills Builder Framework 

The Skills Builder Universal Framework is the national standard for teaching essential skills. It breaks each skill into teachable steps, supporting progress for all ages and abilities - including those with special educational needs. The Universal Framework was developed by Skills Builder with the Careers and Enterprise Company, Gatsby Foundation, Business in the Community, EY Foundation, CIPD and the CBI. 

 The Skills Builder Principles 

Refined over a decade, the Skills Builder Principles outline best practice in teaching essential skills for learning and life. The six principles will form the basis of your strategy, and your success in embedding them will be recognised with the Skills Builder Award. 

The Six Principles: Keep it simple, Start early & keep going, Measure it, Focus closely, Keep practicing, And bring it to life.
Download prospectus
Apply early and get started this academic year.
Apply now
Check my eligibility