Education that Changes Lives: Our 2023–24 Impact Report

At Blackburne House Education, we’ve always known that learning is about more than qualifications. It’s about unlocking confidence, independence, and opportunity. Our newly released Education Impact Report (Sept 2023–Nov 2024) confirms this and puts real numbers behind the transformation we see every day. 

Over the past 15 months, 522 women have taken part in our programmes, with 72.7% progressing to positive destinations — an increase of 14% on the previous year. Learners have gone on to further or higher education, or into employment, while many more have gained confidence, built friendships, and reduced social isolation. 

Independent analysis by The Connectives shows our work has generated an incredible Social Return on Investment of £1:£24.45, equating to £2.1 million in social value for the city and savings to the public purse. That means every pound invested in our programmes delivers nearly twenty-five times that in social benefit — from improved wellbeing to economic independence. 

“Education is at the heart of everything we do at Blackburne House. These results are more than numbers — they represent women reclaiming their futures, building resilience, and shaping the next chapter of their lives.”  Andrea Rushton, Chief Executive Officer 

Learners, tutors, and funders all spoke about the unique atmosphere at Blackburne House — a place where women feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve more. 

“Our learners tell us that Blackburne House is the first place they’ve truly felt seen, heard, and supported. That sense of belonging is what gives them the confidence to keep learning and growing — and that’s the real measure of success.” Louise Nixon, Head of Learning 

This impact is made possible through the dedication of our staff team, the trust of our funders, and the courage of every woman who chooses to learn with us. 

We’re now building on this success — expanding our curriculum, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to remove barriers to education for women across Merseyside. 

You can read the full Education Impact Report and explore our new Performance & Impact page here. 

Because when women thrive, communities flourish.