MCR Pathways was founded by philanthropist Iain MacRitchie. Iain succeeded in the business world by turning around failing corporations, but after improving the financial success of over 90 children’s homes and 5 residential schools, he realised these were not the changes that really needed to be made. The talents of these young people were left undeveloped and potential unrealised, forgotten completely as they turned 18. Iain realised the key to these young people’s success lay in education and that was the catalyst for the creation of MCR Pathways.

MCR Pathways began at St Andrew's RC Secondary in Glasgow's East End. At the school, results for care-experienced young people were significantly below their peers. The small team began providing dedicated support to care-experienced young people in the school.

The goal was to develop these young people’s confidence and talents by giving individualised attention to each young person’s specific story.

It soon became clear that introducing a mentor, a reliable, supportive adult, was a key way to bring stability to the lives of these young people.

MCR now operates in 130 schools across both Scotland and England, supporting over 5000 young people each week thanks to our volunteer mentors who help support, encourage and empower young people in their communities.