At the BMW PGA Championship, James Holmes from Stoke High School in Ipswich shared how Unleash Your Drive is helping pupils build confidence, manage challenges and recognise their own potential.

The school, where 42% of pupils are eligible for pupil premium, piloted the programme with 12 Year 10 students. Now in Year 11, all 12 have become prefects or corridor monitors - walking with their “heads held high”, as James describes it, and feeling more confident about taking responsibility and making mistakes.

James also shares the story of a pupil living with a serious illness, who has used the mental toughness tools to help manage his challenges and stay in school for longer. Another pupil’s attendance rose from 72% to 89%, with James identifying the programme as one of several contributing factors. Learning golf together, being beginners and spending time with friends have all played a part.

This year, the school is extending Unleash Your Drive to a Year 8 group who experience anxiety, low confidence or social difficulties. Their visit to the BMW PGA Championship offered an exciting introduction to golf and a chance to strengthen relationships with staff - building towards a simple ambition: helping every pupil feel seen, valued and confident in what they can achieve.