Our impact
At ASDAN, we are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our learners.
This section showcases the evidence of our impact through published research, studies, and data, demonstrating the effectiveness of our programmes. You’ll also find inspiring success stories from ASDAN members, highlighting how our courses have supported personal growth, boosted confidence and opened doors to new opportunities.
I have seen ASDAN turn the lives around of many students. It is an engagement tool, it builds on the strengths of individuals, it builds up resilience and confidence.
Transforming attainment, engagement and outcomes for all
UWE (2012) found that students in CoPE schools were 10% more likely to achieve A*-C grades in GCSE English and 5% more likely to secure five A*-C GCSEs, including English and mathematics
Mannion’s (2021) longitudinal evidence highlights how metacognitive and self-regulatory skills can help learners adapt to various challenges, including life after release.
ASDAN’s Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) and its broader curriculum offer a powerful, evidence-based solution to improving academic outcomes, learner engagement, and long-term employability. Drawing on robust findings from major studies, we evidence how our courses can raise attainment, reduce NEET and enhance provision for ESOL learners.
When integrated with ASDAN’s Lift Off and Lifeskills Challenge programmes, CoPE offers a scalable and impactful strategy to foster essential life and academic skills throughout a learner’s educational journey.
Our 2025 highlights report
Last year saw us engage, elevate and empower thousands of learners in the UK and across the world. We have pulled together our first highlight report, showcasing the achievements of our members and their learners, and introducing some of our headline developments for the year ahead.
Empowering learners today for a more inclusive tomorrow
ASDAN is committed to prioritising learners with diverse needs, including those who are:
- experiencing poverty in all its forms, whether economic, physical, mental, cultural, spiritual, political or societal
- without support for their emotional and social needs
have a special educational need or disability - not engaged or succeeding in their education and who miss an English and/or Maths pass at 16 or subsequently;
- at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)
We believe every learner deserves the opportunity to discover, develop, and use their abilities. By doing so, they can affirm their identities, contribute to society, and challenge educational and social inequalities.
Research underscores the impact of our work. For example, our flagship Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) qualification has been shown to:
- improve academic outcomes in Key Stage 4, particularly in GCSE English
- support reflective skills and written communication, which enhance performance in traditional subjects
- boost achievement in schools that widely adopt ASDAN courses
These successes demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improving life chances for learners who might otherwise be left behind.
We are proud of our heritage and the impact of our work, which has evolved to meet the changing needs of learners, educators, and society.
ASDAN remains committed to improving outcomes for learners with diverse needs. We intend to achieve this through our extensive knowledge, and our passion for skills-based education that engages, elevates and empowers.
Look out for opportunities to engage in, contribute to, and benefit from our new developments, all aiming to advance education and promote positive impact for all learners.
ASDAN alumni – share your story to inspire the next generation
Were you taught an ASDAN course in the past? Did it help shape your future? We're seeking ASDAN alumni to share their story and help engage, elevate and empower today's learners. Visit ASDAN alumni to get involved.
Need more information before becoming a member?
Our team can guide you towards the right course for you and your learners. Please fill out this expression of interest form and an ASDAN expert will be in touch.