The Girls' Network has clear eligibility requirements for mentees. Mentees, as well as their parents or carers, must provide written consent to engage in our programmes. It is important that mentees are given the choice to receive mentoring and that engagement is not forced.

In addition, we encourage schools to refer girls to our mentoring programmes if they:

• Are eligible for free school meals (or close to this threshold, including students receiving a bursary)

• Are on a social care plan

• Are in care or a care leaver

• Are a young carer

• Are a young parent

• Are the first generation in their family likely to attend higher education

• Are a young refugee or asylum seeker

• Are living in poverty

• Are living in insecure housing and/or temporary accommodation

• Are under 18 and living independently

• Come from a diverse background, including Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic communities

• Come from a marginalised community (for example, living in poverty or insecure housing)

• Are academically high achieving but lack access to extra-curricular opportunities or networks to compete with more advantaged peers

• Lack access to positive female role models or supportive communities

• Lack confidence or a sense of self-worth

• Are underachieving and in need of external motivation and support to develop the skills needed to succeed

• Are unlikely to engage in a voluntary programme that takes place outside school or college settings. 

All schools using The Girls' Network mentoring programmes will have already engaged in a set of workshops designed to inspire and empower girls with these characteristics.