A welcome from Rachel Johnson, our CEO
Rachel leads PiXL, the UK's largest education leadership network. Here she explains what Pioneer is, who it's for, and why we're funding these places.
If we've been in touch
PiXL Pioneer is a scholarship programme funded entirely by PiXL. Before we offer a place, we contact parents and carers, and sometimes schools, to confirm details about the application. It's part of how we make sure every place goes to a young person who really needs it.
If we've called, emailed or written to you, this is what it's about. You're welcome to call us back on [number] or email [email] to verify it's us.
What your child is applying for
Pioneer is a 10-week online programme for young people aged 14 to 19 who face genuine barriers to opportunity. Fifty Pioneers join each programme. Over ten weeks, they:
- Meet weekly with mentors who've built businesses, gone first in their families to university, learned trades on the job, led teams in global companies, and made careers in music, sport, the arts, tech and beyond
- Work through activities that grow their confidence, character and community
- Take on a team challenge with the rest of their cohort
- Build a plan for what comes next, with the people, skills and £1,000 to make it real
If your child completes the full 10 weeks, they receive £1,000 in cash, a certificate, and a reference for their CV.
There is no charge to apply, and no charge to take part. The programme is fully funded by PiXL.
About PiXL
PiXL stands for Partners in Excellence. We're the UK's largest education leadership network, and we've been working with schools for over 20 years. Today, schools across the UK are part of our network, from primary through to post-16.
We're 100% not-for-profit. The Pioneer programme runs alongside our work with schools and is our way of standing with young people who'd benefit most from a different kind of opportunity.
How we keep your child safe
Pioneer runs entirely online. Every live session is facilitated by DBS-checked PiXL staff, and mentors are vetted before they join the programme.
We follow safeguarding protocols designed for working with young people:
Every live session has at least two members of PiXL staff present
Mentors do not have direct contact with Pioneers outside scheduled sessions
We have a designated safeguarding lead who oversees the programme
Our full safeguarding policy is available on request
If you have safeguarding questions or concerns at any point, contact our team on [number] or [email].
Questions you might have
Is this free?
Yes. Pioneer costs nothing to apply for and nothing to take part in.
What is the £1,000 for?
Pioneers who complete the full 10 weeks receive £1,000 in cash. It's there to back their next step, whether that's tools for an apprenticeship, books for university, equipment for starting a business, or something else. There are no conditions on how it's spent.
How much time does it take?
Around two hours a week for ten weeks. One hour live with mentors, one hour of self-directed activity, plus a team challenge across the programme.
Will it clash with school or exams?
We design PiXL Pioneer around school terms and school commitments. We expect Pioneers to put school first, and we build the programme so it complements their education rather than competes with it.
Who will my child meet online?
PiXL Pioneers meet mentors from a wide range of backgrounds: founders, first-in-family graduates, apprentices, senior leaders, creatives, athletes, campaigners and tech innovators. Every mentor is vetted before joining the programme.
How do you decide who gets a place?
We look for young people who face genuine barriers to opportunity, who show potential, and who can commit to the programme. We don't ask for grades or a CV.
What if my child can't continue?
Life happens. If your child needs to leave the programme, they can contact us. We ask them to let us know rather than disappear, so we can help where we can and offer the place to another applicant.
How do I know PiXL is legitimate?
You can check us at pixl.org.uk, where you'll find our team and our work with schools. You can also speak to your child's school. Many UK schools either work with PiXL or know of us. If we contact you, you're welcome to call us back on the number listed on our main website to verify it's us.
Can I see your safeguarding policy?
Yes. Email [email] and we'll send it to you. We're happy to answer questions before, during or after your child's involvement.
Still got questions?
We'd rather you ask than wonder. Call us on [number].
