A recent initiative from the DfES has been The Black Children's Achievement Project. This follows the Aiming High Pilot that ran in a number of secondary schools throughout the country. The main principles are the same with a focus on the ethos of the school, auditing, links with parents and the community, relevant curriculum and unlocking potential. We are aware that our efforts to address imbalance need to start earlierÉin the primary schoolÉand that the period of transition from primary to secondary is a crucial one.

With that in mind we have become associate members of the BCAP and are involved in the regular conferences and workshops. Following numerous meetings with Head Teachers we are pleased to have formed a partnership with St. Peter's Junior, Tredworth Primary and Widden Primary schools. The focus is on ensuring our young black pupils maintain and develop their academic achievements through to secondary school.

In support of the above, and through our membership of the Aim Higher Multicultural Advisory Group with UWE we secured funding for student mentors to work with selected primary school pupils. These mentors have received training, the schools have been given comprehensive tool boxes and the mentors have worked with individual primary school Black pupils each week over the last year.

Some are now following them through the crucial transition period as they move into secondary schooling, thus providing a familiar older role model in their new environment.

We have trained 6 mentors from Beaufort, St Peter' High and The University of Gloucestershire (ex Brockworth pupils). Their own educational environment, the primary schools and READS have supported them. A social event/information evening in May was also successfully organised at City Works. Mentors, mentees, teachers and parents attended this event.

It has been an exciting venture and a wonderful opportunity for all concerned.