In memory of Christine
In memory of Christine Smith, the much-loved former teacher from Lancashire, her family and friends have generously raised funds in support of SHINE.
In memoriam
SHINE: Support and Help IN Education
Every child deserves the best start in life.
SHINE gives children brighter futures by unlocking barriers to learning.
We support children and young people in hundreds of schools across the North West, North East and Yorkshire & Humber.
We focus on areas of deprivation where we have the biggest opportunity to make a positive difference to children’s lives.
Innovation
SHINE identifies, evaluates, and scales up the most promising educational ideas.
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Philanthropy
SHINE connects donors with teachers to create new opportunities for disadvantaged children.
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Insight
SHINE uses evidence from its work to influence positive changes for children.
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Our latest impact
What we achieved over the past 12 months
SHINE's projects have made a significant impact.
We helped almost 50,000 children across nearly 500 schools, while also providing support to over 3,300 parents and 1,700 teachers.
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Information for schools
Get involved
Opportunities to join our network of successful practice across the North.
Discover our funding opportunities, the support we offer, and ways to participate in our programmes.
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Fundraise for SHINE
You could help transform young lives
It's easy to make a donation to SHINE. Even the smallest gift could make a big difference to the lives of children in the North.
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SHINE's projects
Find out more about the projects and programmes we support
SHINE backs innovative learning approaches aimed at levelling the playing field for all children.
We fund school-based projects supporting children aged 0-19, addressing a wide range of areas such as reading, maths, science, verbal communication, parental engagement, school transitions, and wellbeing.
Find out moreEducation should unleash life’s potential, but too often, a child’s future is shaped by their background and circumstances beyond their control.
Many from low-income homes start school without key skills, fall behind, and over half leave school without essential GCSEs in English and maths – limiting their opportunities for further education or good jobs.
The divide is particularly acute in parts of the North.
Quick links to our Latest Updates
£60k project will support teaching of literacy in Sunderland classrooms
"Strong literacy skills give students better opportunities, both in school and beyond. This funding helps us move closer to our goal of giving every child the best possible start in life."
News
Academy’s £136K project to strengthen community and boost student success
"The level of change that this will bring will be phenomenal and will transform opportunities for young people."
News
Bold new literacy project puts Sunderland stories at the heart of learning
"If the students see their own experiences reflected in the material, they become more engaged, making writing feel personally meaningful and relevant to them."
NewsInspiring Stories of impact
Ethan’s story
Now in Year 8, Ethan is loving school and his confidence levels have soared, along with his attainment.
Ethan was bullied a lot at primary school and, despite being bright, he lacked confidence. His teachers were really worried about how the move to secondary might affect him.
Kofi’s story
Kofi lives with his parents in a small high-rise flat, where space is tight and opportunities for learning activities are limited.
The programme has effectively boosted Mum’s confidence in supporting Kofi’s learning, especially in reading. The structured sessions equipped her with practical skills and strategies to foster a more supportive and engaging learning environment at home.
Lee’s story
Even though he was only 10 years old, Lee would storm out of the house in a rage, refusing to say where he was going or when he would be back
Lee was finding primary school increasingly stressful. The noise of other children and all the questions from the teacher made him anxious and upset. Nobody seemed to understand how he was feeling.