OUR MISSION

At The Finishing School Foundation, our mission is to empower young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) by providing them with the skills and support needed to launch careers in the marketing, communications, and advertising industries.

We are committed to breaking down the barriers that limit access to these industries. Through our bespoke courses and practical support while NEET talent undertakes Brixton Finishing School programmes, we provide access to free, high-quality education that equips young people with essential employability skills and industry-specific expertise. Our comprehensive pastoral support ensures that each participant has the resources needed to thrive.

TOGETHER WE CAN #BreakTheCycle

WHAT WE DO

Transformative Training

We will offer bepoke NEET employability programmes and deliver supported access to Brixton Finishing School’s free courses. These are designed in partnership with industry leaders to bridge the gap for NEET youth. By equipping them with vital skills and introducing them to careers they might not have previously considered, we help unlock new paths to employment.

Removing Financial Barriers

We practically support NEET talent while they undertake our free courses or Brixton Finishing School’s free programmes. This could mean a living cost grant to enable a course to be completed or a deposit for safe accommodation in a city where a job role has been won. We will also look to fund access to Neurodiversity diagnosis or Mental Wellness support – which can affect the ability to land and/or retain a role.

Our Commitment to Ongoing Support

For those entering the job market, real-world skills are only part of the equation. We believe in the power of active pastoral care, recognising that young people facing additional challenges require more than just skills training. Our team offers sustained support to help them overcome obstacles and find confidence in the workplace.

Work with Industry Experts

Our industry partners play a pivotal role – not only in teaching and mentoring the talents but also in providing employment opportunities. Together, we are building a foundation that offers genuine access and lasting impact.

DONATE NOW TO EMPOWER NEET TALENT TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL

A donation as a launch funder of The Finishing School Foundation would make a real difference to those young people who are in the most challenging circumstances today – delivering the chance to engage with the world of work and give them the opportunity to develop a long lasting career.

TOGETHER WE CAN #BreakTheCycle

OUR FOUNDING DONORS

Callie Strickland
Callie Strickland
Inclusion & Belonging Manager at The Trade Desk
The Trade Desk is proud to partner with The Finishing School Foundation in its efforts to support and empower the next generation of leaders in media, advertising, and tech. As the challenges facing young people continue to mount, this work is more important than ever. By providing critical financial and professional support, Brixton Finishing School and The Finishing School Foundation are building a brighter future for young people and our industry as a whole.
Ale Herrera
Outbrain Admin Operations & DEI Council Member

It is crucial to provide opportunities for diverse voices and viewpoints to enter and thrive in our industry through interaction, challenge, and collaboration. At Outbrain, we’re committed to doing our part, which is why we are supporting the Finishing School Foundation. We are proud to be able to help bring opportunities to talented individuals from underrepresented communities, enabling them to overcome barriers into advertising and media and we are excited for this meaningful impact on the industry.

woman stood in office wearing jeans jacket

TOGETHER WE CAN #BreakTheCycle

OUR TRUSTEES

Dino Myers-Lamptey
Founder The Barber Shop, Co Chair of Conscious Advertising Foundation and Marketing Society Board Member

The longer a young person is out of work or education, the more likely they are to suffer long-lasting consequences – with a negative effect on future employment outcomes and earnings as well as on physical and mental health. It’s a vicious cycle which The Finishing School Foundation intends to help break. We see untapped talent that will enrich our industry, which is in desperate need of different voices and viewpoints. This vital work allows more people to access training to access the industry in the most positive way.

Genna Osler
Industry Head FMCG & Automotive at Meta

The industry needs The Finishing School Foundation to help support diversity, equity and inclusion, because talent is equally distributed and opportunity is not. It’s good for businesses, and good for society for there to be a better representation at ALL levels. As I started work, and joined the advertising industry, I was shocked by the lack of representation, and wanted to make a difference by paying forward the privilege I had where opportunities were available to me. Being part of TFSF means that we are able to level the playing field, in an economic situation that can widen the gap and therefore close off the chances. We can only be the change we want to see if we all come together to drive it.

Woman wearing green suit jacket
Woman sat at yellow desk
Caroline Forbes
Head of Sales, Clear Channel UK

With the unwavering support of Clear Channel UK, I’ve been an Advisory Board member for Brixton Finishing School for the last 5 years, so when Ally asked me to join the board of trustees for The Finishing School Foundation, the charity arm of the organisation with a focus on supporting those Not in Education, Employment and Training (NEETS), I immediately said yes.

I’m incredibly passionate and committed to empowering individuals with the essential life skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s complicated, yet exciting rapidly evolving industry. In the current climate, where economic and political uncertainty in addition to technological disruption are reshaping industries, soft skills like adaptability, communication, and leadership have become as crucial as technical expertise.

The Foundation’s mission to cultivate these skills, particularly among young people and underrepresented groups, aligns with my belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship. By fostering personal and professional growth, The Finishing School Foundation plays a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate the challenges of a volatile job market, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive workforce.

Ben Major
Global Head of Talent for Uncommon

Our industry is facing a talent crisis. The systemic neglect of the arts in education is making creativity an elitist sport. The opportunity for those not in education, training or employment have very little chance of breaking into the industry without the incredible work BFS provides to better connect talent with opportunity. The Foundation now makes that a reality for those most in need. We have never needed it more and i’m hopeful our industry will recognise the positive impact the Foundation can have and support us in our quest.

Man sat on stool outside
Ally Owen sat on a chair
Ally Owen
Ally Owen, Founder, Brixton Finishing School & The ADcademy

Think of Brixton Finishing School as a very well-connected, knowledgeable relation who can help you access all areas and The Finishing School Foundation as a pragmatic uncle or aunt with some savings who can practically support you when transitioning into your first role. Both work for the betterment of our talent’s outcomes, the talent then goes on to enrich our workplaces!

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