Action Tutoring transforms lives: Unveiling our Impact Report 2022-23!
17 January 2024
Imagine a world where educational equity unlocks not just individual potential, but also fuels economic prosperity. Today, that vision takes a significant step forward with the release of two reports: Action Tutoring’s seventh Impact Report and Public First‘s research into the Economic Impact of the National Tutoring Programme (NTP). These reports showcase the undeniable two-fold impact of tutoring: enriching lives and empowering economies.
Our Impact Report shares our key highlights and draws attention to the attainment gap, which is now at its widest in 12 years, and our robust foundation of evidence that proves we are a meaningful solution to help close it.
Why do these reports matter?
More than just numbers and data; it’s a testament to the 1,743 passionate volunteers who have poured their hearts into 58,880 hours of transformative tutoring for 5,743 pupils facing disadvantage. It is the tangible proof that investing in tutoring works and tells a remarkable tale of economic impact.
Headlines from Public First’s Economic Impact Modelling Release
- £4.3 billion: The net benefit to the economy from tutoring in two academic years, demonstrating a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 6.58. This significantly exceeds other programs, such as adult apprenticeships (BCR 4.7).
- £3.06 billion: The economic contribution of maths tutoring, delivering exceptional value with a BCR of 7.73
- 430,000 grade improvements: Of these improvements, 26,000 achieved a “pass” (Grade 4) in maths, and 36,000 in English, who otherwise were not expected to. This significantly increases their chances of accessing further education, employment, and higher earnings, highlighting the substantial long-term economic benefit of tutoring.
This isn’t just about boosting numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about building a stronger, more equitable society where everyone has the chance to contribute and thrive.
The headlines from our Impact Report
- Closing the achievement gap: National averages for primary school pupils facing disadvantage (or eligible for pupil premium) who received 10 or more tutoring sessions with Action Tutoring saw a 14-percentage point jump in maths and a 7-percentage point gain in reading standards. That’s more than just numbers – it’s lives changed forever.
- Empowering potential: In secondary schools, our support boosted maths GCSE pass rates by nearly 13 percentage points, giving countless pupils the keys to unlocking their dreams.
- Building confidence and engagement: Pupils rated their tutors’ clarity at 8.1 out of 10, while teachers acknowledged the overall positive impact of Action Tutoring on pupils with a resounding 8.7 out of 10. This speaks volumes about the positive ripple effect we create.
These achievements aren’t just personal victories – they’re the foundation for a more prosperous future.
“My tutoring sessions were amazing. Actually, they really helped. They boosted my confidence in maths. It was virtual so I did it on a computer. I found that really beneficial to me personally because it allowed me to be able to talk with someone and build a connection and that’s just like the type of learner I am.”
DYLAN RECEIVED YEAR 11 MATHS TUTORING AT ST BEDE’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE IN BRISTOL, HE ACHIEVED A GRADE 4 IN HIS MATHS GCSE IN 2023.
How can you join us in building this brighter tomorrow?
Schools: Partner with Action Tutoring and watch your pupils soar, while contributing to a stronger local economy.
Funders: Invest in a solution that delivers both individual and societal rewards.[Website link]
Volunteers: Share your knowledge and passion, become a mentor, and fuel the engine of economic growth.
Everyone: Spread the word, advocate for educational equity, and be part of the change. [Website link]
Click below to read both reports in full:
Volunteers Week 2024 – three ways you can get involved
12 January 2024
Every year in June the UK comes together to celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers in our communities. Volunteers’ Week 2024 takes place from 1st to 7th June. Among other things, it’s a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to the amazing people who give their time and energy to make a difference.
Who are volunteers?
Volunteers are our neighbours, friends, and family members who give their time to causes they care about. They come from all walks of life and all ages, and they contribute to our communities in countless ways. Here’s a breakdown of Action Tutoring volunteers occupations out of those who applied in 2023:
Surprised to see such a mix? You’re not alone. Many see volunteering as something you do as a student to build your CV, or in retirement to get involved with your community. But many from other occupations volunteer, too. Employers value volunteering for a multitude of reasons, as it benefits both the employee and the organisation in terms of skills development, and it shows the company as being socially responsible and caring of the community in which they operate.
Why is Volunteers’ Week important?
Volunteers’ Week is important because it gives us a chance to:
- Say thank you: It’s a chance to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who give their time so generously.
- Raise awareness: It’s a chance to raise awareness of the vital role that volunteers play in our communities.
- Inspire others: It’s a chance to inspire more people to get involved in volunteering. There are so many ways to make a difference in your community, or further afield, and Volunteers’ Week is a great time to start.
So, how can I get involved?
There are many ways to get involved in Volunteers’ Week, whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or you’re thinking about volunteering for the first time. Here are our top three:
- Share your volunteering story.
If you’re a volunteer, share your story on social media using the hashtag #VolunteersWeek and tag the charity. Social media is an important tool for charities to reach new volunteers and spread awareness. Your story could inspire someone else to volunteer, donate or fundraise.
- Attend a Volunteers’ Week event:
There are hundreds of events happening across the UK throughout Volunteers’ Week, from volunteer recruitment fairs to celebration events. Closer to the time, search for events near you to find out how you can get involved.
- Find a volunteering opportunity:
If you’re interested in volunteering, there are many websites and organisations that can help you find an opportunity that’s right for you, like Do-It or Charity Job. You could also find your local volunteer centre.
If you’re interested in volunteering as a tutor for an hour a week, click the button below to find out more.
Our volunteer stories
“Tutoring is one of the few things I do that gives me real satisfaction, enjoyment, and self-fulfilment. It’s very rewarding to be able to give something back to your community.”
Youcef, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at TFL
“Online tutoring is great because it enables so many more tutors to help – you literally can give one hour a week. And if you’re doing other exciting things in your life, you can actually do it from different places, as long as you’ve got a laptop with you.”
Sally, retired optometrist
“In terms of resources for classes, I had never written a class resource, I had no idea where to start. So having the workbooks that we’re all working with, and having them all every week with the templates was great, because it meant I was able to participate [alongside my studies]. In terms of time consumption, it would just take me half an hour to read over answers and read over the lesson plan before going into the session.”
Eilidh, student at the University of Aberdeen
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and learn more about Volunteers’ Week. We hope we’ve inspired you to get involved in some way!
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Volunteers’ Week website: https://volunteersweek.org/
- Volunteering England website: https://www.gov.uk/volunteering
