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 progress (led by the needs of each learner) in eight essential skills
- A Skills Builder Award in recognition of best practice
How does the Accelerator programme work?
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 learners.
Places are limited. Apply in the Spring term and be invited to get started early in Summer.
What could you do on an Accelerator programme?
Specialist settings utilise the programme to support existing curriculum plans, careers related learning strategies and school priorities.
Skills Builder, at its best, is embedded throughout your ethos and practices: policies, staff training, the curriculum, assemblies, and so on. But that can take time, here are some ways others have got started. You might:
- Use ready made, easy to access assemblies, posters and visual aids to introduce the skills with learners. Start to use the icons in teaching materials to demonstrate to learners when they are practising skills
- Use the Expanded Framework to structure your life skills lessons, helping learners apply the skills to everyday tasks
- Link the skills to your existing projects, or use project-based learning resources from the Skills Builder Hub to explicitly teach and practise the essential skills
- Set individual skill and step targets for learners in support plans, and communicate the next steps with parents/carers during review meetings
- Target specific groups of learners as a pilot group
- Include the skills within your current Preparation for Adulthood provision
- Embed the skills into your setting’s existing reward policy, recognising and rewarding the application of essential skills using stickers, certificates and badges.
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
Planning Meetings
Teacher Training Sessions
Online all-through support
Premium Resources
Online Tools & Resources
Teacher Webinars & Events
* Apply in the Spring term and be invited to get started early in Summer.
Recognises specialist settings who are making a commitment to building essential skills. Some teachers will be using the Universal Framework with some learners
Recognises specialist settings who are embedding the 6 Skills Builder Principles. Majority of teachers will be building essential skills across the curriculum
Recognises specialist settings 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 learners with the essential skills they need to succeed in their next steps
- The Skills Builder Award recognises specialist settings 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...
What Skills Leaders say about the Accelerator
What Skills Leaders say about the Accelerator:
What Skills Leaders say about the Accelerator
What Skills Leaders say about the Accelerator
How did the Accelerator fit into your strategy?
“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.”
What’s been the impact for you?
“I found the CPD opportunities really helpful - particularly around leading change, changing the culture of the school and supporting colleagues.”
How have the training and support been?
“We don’t often have opportunities to work throughout the whole education sector…The Skills Builder network opens up a whole range of different organisations.”
“One of the great things is that you get to share good practice with other schools which is invaluable.”
What’s been the impact in the classroom?
“I think the programme has had a really positive impact on the teachers here. It wasn’t until we started the programme that we realised it was what we’ve always been looking for.”
How have you found the tools and resources?
“Everything that you need is there and there are a lot of resources on offer… all of the resources are high quality. Everything you need to successfully implement the programme in your school is there for you.”
What would you say to people thinking of applying?
“Whatever your starting point, whatever your history is with skills education… I would really urge you to look into the programme.”
“The help, support and guidance you get is invaluable. You are not alone. The support and everything is in place.”
“Go for it! It’s not an add on and it’s not extra work. It has massive benefits for both students and staff. For us, it fits like a glove.”
Visit the Case Studies Showcase to see stories from schools and colleges across the country...
United Kingdom
West Midlands
Primary
Knutton St Marys CofE Academy
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
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 Princeville
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
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
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
Primary
Culcheth Community Primary School
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
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
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
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
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
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
Southmoor Academy
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
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
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
Pioneer House High School
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
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
Undershaw
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
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
College
Grantham College
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
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
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
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
College
Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College
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
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
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?
When should 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?
When should 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?
When should 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?
When should 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?
1
Register interest
Get the prospectus, tips on applying and latest updates on funded places in your area - click here
Get the prospectus, tips on applying and latest updates on funded places in your area - click here
2
3
Send us an email
Still have questions? Email us at accelerator@skillsbuilder.org and we will be in touch
Still have questions? Email us at accelerator@skillsbuilder.org and we will be in touch
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.
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.
