Near Peer Coaching

Empowering young people to support each other

What Is Near Peer Coaching?

Near peer coaching trains older students to become coaches for younger pupils in their school. It is a powerful, sustainable model that creates lasting impact long after our programme ends.

We provide comprehensive training, ongoing supervision, and quality assurance to ensure that peer coaches are equipped with the skills and confidence to support their younger peers effectively. The result is a school culture where wellbeing support is embedded, accessible, and led by the students themselves.

Our Programmes

Primary Near Peer

Year 5 and 6 pupils are trained to support younger children across the school. Our primary programme focuses on the issues that matter most to younger learners:

  • Managing transitions between year groups
  • Building and maintaining friendships
  • Developing confidence and self-belief
  • Coping with worries and anxieties

Peer coaches develop empathy, responsibility, and leadership skills that benefit them throughout their education.

Secondary Near Peer

Sixth form and Year 10-11 students are trained to coach Key Stage 3 pupils, providing relatable support during some of the most challenging years of secondary school:

  • KS3 transition and settling in
  • Exam stress and academic pressure
  • Setting and working towards goals
  • Building resilience and coping strategies

Older students gain valuable coaching qualifications and experience that enhance their UCAS applications and career prospects.

Benefits for Your School

Sustainable Internal Capacity

Build a self-sustaining wellbeing support system within your school. Each year, new peer coaches are trained, creating ongoing capacity without ongoing external costs.

Peer Connection

Young people consistently respond better to peers than adults. Peer coaches are relatable, approachable, and understand the pressures students face because they have experienced them too.

Leadership Development

Peer coaches develop transferable skills in communication, empathy, active listening, and responsibility -- skills that serve them well beyond school.

Cost-Effective Impact

After the initial training investment, near peer coaching provides ongoing wellbeing support at minimal cost, with measurable impact year after year.

"Many pupils regularly request access to well-being services and find peer coaches more approachable. The near peer programme has become an integral part of our pastoral provision and the impact on both coaches and coachees has been remarkable."

Deputy Head Teacher

Start Near Peer Coaching in Your School

Find out how near peer coaching can transform your school's wellbeing provision. We will work with you to design a programme that fits your context.

Enquire Now