From Opportunity to Alliance
The Education Alliance for Life Chances (EALC) was established in 2022 to build on the success and momentum of the Bradford Opportunity Area (BOA) – a five-year, £16 million programme focused on improving social mobility and outcomes for children and young people.
What began as a government-backed initiative has evolved into a community-driven alliance for long-term, place-based change across Bradford.
Our Roots
The Bradford Opportunity Area (2017–2022) delivered 42 evidence-based projects in schools and communities across the district. With funding from the Department for Education, the programme focused on:
- Strengthening school leadership
- Improving literacy and school readiness
- Addressing health and mental health barriers to learning
- Supporting neurodiverse children and tackling SEND challenges
- Raising aspirations and improving access to careers
- Piloting data-led and place-based approaches (like Act Locally)
The BOA also launched the Centre for Applied Education Research (CAER), now a key partner in EALC’s ongoing work.
Creating a Lasting Legacy
The Bradford Opportunity Area (BOA) laid the groundwork for long-term change – not just through 42 individual projects, but by building new ways of working across the system. Its success proved what’s possible when schools, public services, communities and researchers work together with shared goals.
EALC was created to carry that momentum forward. We’re here to make sure the lessons, partnerships and structures developed under BOA don’t end with a funding cycle – but continue as part of a lasting, local infrastructure for change.
Where BOA was a programme, EALC is a partnership – with a 20-year vision, a cross-sector board, and a mission to improve life chances for every child in Bradford.
Key Milestones
2017–2022 – Bradford Opportunity Area delivers 42 projects
2019 – Centre for Applied Education Research (CAER) launched
2022 – BOA publishes 12-point plan for improving social mobility
July 2022 – EALC launches as a registered charity
2023 onwards – EALC begins delivery of 2023–2027 plan, including expansion of Act Locally and SEND reform