20th July 2026

 

Potential Plus UK transfers into Coram Group

An announcement from our CEO, Olivia Smith

Following our Trustees announcement in March, Potential Plus UK entered a period of consultation in which we explored options to secure the future of the support and services we offer our community. I am delighted to be able to tell you that as result of these efforts that from Monday 20th July, Potential Plus UK’s services will become part of the Coram group. This marks an exciting new chapter, ensuring that the specialist support, expertise and resources developed over the past 60 years continue within the UK’s longest-established children’s charity. With nearly 300 years’ experience improving children’s lives, Coram brings expertise in safeguarding, education, family and therapeutic services, research, policy, fundraising and supporter care. This move provides a strong and sustainable future for the specialist support that has always been at the heart of Potential Plus UK’s mission. 

We are delighted that our specialist service staff will also be transferring to Coram, meaning you will continue to receive support from the experienced team you know and trust. Although I will no longer be Chief Executive, I will be doing all I can to support the transfer to Coram, and would like to thank our Finance Officer, Tracy Morsbach, who has given 14 years of dedicated service to the charity. It has been an enormous privilege for us both to be part of Potential Plus UK’s journey and we know we leave you in very good hands. 

Dame Carol Homden, Coram CEO, said: “All too many children of high learning potential find navigating school challenging with their families struggling to know how to support them. Coram will work to increase access to the assessments, membership and resources of Potential Plus to make an even bigger difference for the children and families who need us.” 

This is an important milestone in Potential Plus UK’s history. While the charity itself will close on 31st July, the mission that has brought us together and our name, membership and services will continue, strengthened by the opportunities that being part of Coram brings. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to support the HLP community. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at amazing.children@potentialplusuk.org or call 01908 646433. 

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FAQs Potential Plus UK transition to Coram

We understand that the transition from Potential Plus UK to Coram may raise questions for families and our wider community. These FAQs provide information about what we know at this stage, including what will continue, what is changing and where to find further updates. We will continue to share information as arrangements are confirmed.

Why is Potential Plus UK transferring to Coram?

Potential Plus UK is transitioning to Coram to ensure that support for children and young people with high learning potential and their families can continue into the future.
Like many charities, Potential Plus UK has faced financial pressures in recent years which meant that continuing as an independent organisation was becoming increasingly challenging. Following significant work and careful consideration, transferring to Coram was identified as the best way to protect and continue the expertise, services and community that have been built over many years.
This transition will enable the work of Potential Plus UK to continue as part of a larger organisation, with the aim of ensuring ongoing support for families, children and young people with high learning potential.

What is Coram Potential Plus?

Coram Potential Plus is the name of the service that will continue the work previously delivered by Potential Plus UK. Families will continue to have access to support, resources and expertise relating to children and young people with high learning potential.

Will the support I currently receive continue?

Yes. A key aim of the transition is to ensure that families continue to have access to the support, expertise and services they value. Consultancy (advice), events and assessment services will continue through Coram Potential Plus, with further information about any practical changes shared as arrangements are confirmed.

Will the same staff continue to support families?

The same team will continue to deliver consultancy, events and assessment services, ensuring that families can continue to access the support they know and value. These services will remain available through Coram Potential Plus for children and young people with high learning potential and their families.

What happens to my Potential Plus UK membership?

Potential Plus UK members will receive separate information about what the transition means for membership. Further details will be shared directly with members.

Will the Facebook groups continue?

We are currently reviewing arrangements for the Facebook groups as part of the transition to Coram. We recognise that these groups are an important space for families to connect, share experiences and support one another, and we will provide an update once plans are confirmed.

What will happen to Potential Plus UK’s website and social media channels?

We are reviewing arrangements for Potential Plus UK’s communication channels as part of the transition. We will provide updates about websites, newsletters and social media channels once plans are confirmed.

Will my personal information be transferred to Coram?

Information relating to Potential Plus UK membership, services or other personal data will be managed in accordance with applicable data protection requirements. Members of Potential Plus UK will receive separate information about any relevant changes.
If you are a member of one of our Facebook groups but are not a Potential Plus UK member or service user, please note that Potential Plus UK does not hold personal information about you from your Facebook group membership, including your name or contact details. We do not collect, store or transfer personal data from members of these groups.

I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who can I contact?

Please contact amazing.children@potentialplusuk.org and we will be happy to help.
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About Coram   

Coram is the UK’s first and longest serving children’s charity. Established as the Foundling Hospital in 1739, today they are a group of specialist programmes supporting hundreds of thousands of children, young people and families. Every year they provide life skills, reading and drama programmes in 3,000 schools nationwide; they uphold children and young people’s rights and provide free legal advice for children and families who need it; they offer support and resources to teachers, social workers, foster carers, childminders and other sector professionals; they are an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ adoption agency, also commissioned by nine local authorities to deliver their adoption services and the frontline open access helpline for parents under strain.  Over one million users access their online resources every year whilst the Coram Institute for Children, established in 2025, is the UK’s only accredited independent research organisation dedicated to achieving a better future for children.   

For more information, please visit:    

Website: www.coram.org.uk    

Twitter: @Coram    

Facebook: Coramsince1739   

Instagram: coram.uk 

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