Skip to content

Exam Academy

Completely free GCSE tuition, mentoring and leadership support in core subjects aligned with the National Curriculum, helping young Black boys prepare, grow in confidence and reach their potential.

Sign Up Now(opens in a new tab)Sponsor a StudentJoin Our Team
Exam Academy

The Problem

The Problem

  • Black boys navigate an education system that does not always see, stretch or support them.

  • Low expectations shape how students are treated and taught before they can show what they can do.

  • Negative labels, stereotyping and cultural misunderstanding lead to being misread, disciplined or written off early.

  • Pressure beyond the classroom (poverty, instability) makes learning and exam prep harder.

  • Private tuition, mentoring and enrichment are often out of reach. The issue is access, not ability.

Our Solution

Our Solution

  • Completely free GCSE tuition in core National Curriculum subjects: English, Maths and Science.

  • Academic support combined with mentoring, leadership development and confidence-building.

  • An inclusive, encouraging environment where young Black boys are understood, guided and celebrated.

  • Tutors and mentors who understand, plus pastoral support and structured exam preparation.

  • Access to people, places and opportunities that help young people imagine a bigger future.

Watch

Inside the Exam Academy

Facts + Stats

35.5average GCSE attainment score for Black Caribbean boys
3×more likely to be excluded than White British students
49%of young Black people say racism is their biggest barrier in school
29%of free-school-meal pupils progressed to higher education (2022/23)
At a glance

What, why, how, where, when

What

A completely free GCSE extra-tuition, mentoring and leadership programme for young Black boys in Years 10 and 11. Places are limited to 60 students and are application-based.

Why

Too many young Black boys face barriers in education, from low expectations and exclusion to socio-economic pressure and limited access to support.

How

A 2-week Easter Exam Bootcamp with daily GCSE tuition, mentoring and personal development, including lunch, creative breaks and safeguarding throughout.

Where

Symphony Studios, based at Oasis St Martin's Village in Tulse Hill, South London.

When

For 2027, the expected window is Tuesday 30 March to Friday 9 April, excluding the Easter bank holidays. Dates confirmed ahead of each cohort.

Curriculum

Maths

Confidence with numbers, problem-solving and logical thinking for exams and beyond.

English

Reading, writing, analysis and communication, building confidence in voice and expression.

Science

Core knowledge and curiosity across key topics, opening pathways into technology and medicine.

Experiences

Mentoring & leadership

Daily mentoring and personal leadership sessions led by leaders from various industries.

Discovery days

Visits to businesses, organisations and cultural spaces that widen aspiration.

Parents evening

A practical session helping parents support revision and exam prep at home.

Graduation moment

A celebration of effort and progress, with an alumni pathway beyond the Bootcamp.

Impact

72%improved by at least one predicted GCSE grade
100%progressed into further education
90%reported increased confidence and self-belief
94%attendance across the programme
Malachi, Student
“Personally, it's helped me get on track academically. I feel a new sense of clarity about how it will go with my exams, and I'm feeling a lot more confident.”
Malachi, Student
Micah, Student
“Everyone cares. Everyone wants to see you do your best.”
Micah, Student

Partners

Beats by DreBeats by Dre
National RailNational Rail
Oxford UniversityOxford University

Be part of the work

Free tuition and mentoring only happen because people fund the work and show up for it.

Sponsor a StudentJoin the Team