Spotlight on success: Our partner schools closing the attainment gap

Many Headteachers and subject leads across the country face the same challenge: how to stretch tight Pupil Premium budget while closing the widening attainment gap. Socio-economic disadvantage remains the single biggest predictor of educational underachievement in England. Yet, with over a third of pupils nationally now accessing private tuition, young people from disadvantaged backgrounds risk falling further behind simply because their families cannot afford extra academic support.

In response, forward-thinking primary and secondary schools are partnering with us at Action Tutoring. By embedding structured, evidence-based small group tuition delivered by vetted volunteer tutors directly into the school week, these schools are driving measurable progress, bolstering pupil attendance, and securing outstanding inspection outcomes, all without adding to existing teacher workload.

Don’t just take our word for it. Here is how school leaders and teachers across the country describe the impact of partnering with Action Tutoring in 2025-26.

1. Rapid academic gains and Ofsted-ready evidence

Small group tuition is proven by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to deliver an average of four months’ additional progress over a year. In schools, this translates to tangible test score improvements and robust evidence for inspection.

At Badocks Wood E-ACT Academy in Bristol, Year 6 Class Teacher, Maths and Oracy Lead Ella James observed measurable academic recovery:

“Our children that attend action tutoring regularly have seen significant improvements in their knowledge and understanding. In terms of data, we have multiple students that have improved their mock scaled score by 10 in maths over the few months that the tutors have been working with them.”

Similarly, at St Ursula’s Convent School, Key Stage 4 Director Steve Muzio used Action Tutoring as a core mechanism to drive achievement for Key Stage 4 Pupil Premium students. During their November 2025 inspection, Ofsted visited an Action Tutoring session to observe the school’s strategy for disadvantaged pupils.

2. Boosting confidence, classroom engagement and attendance

When pupils receive bespoke, small-group support, the impact extends far beyond subject knowledge. It builds resilience, shifts attitudes toward learning, and actively encourages school attendance.

At St Paul’s Way Trust, Head of School Karyce Maitland highlighted how tutoring empowers Year 5 pupils:

“Sitting with the Year 5 colleagues and teachers, it was really clear to see the pupils’ progress since the start of the year, as well as improvements in their confidence. The teachers really spoke about how the children receiving tutoring are really flourishing and confident with their learning. These are children who may not have felt so confident at the beginning of the year.”

This shift in attitude directly impacts school attendance. Ella James noted:

3. Levelling the playing field equity and value

Private tuition is a luxury many families cannot afford. Partnering with Action Tutoring allows schools to replicate those advantages for disadvantaged pupils.

As Gillian Kemp, Trust Leader at St Paul’s Way Trust, explained:

“We know for our children coming from more advantageous backgrounds, their parents will be doing this. We want to emulate that and give it to those children who don’t necessarily have those means to be able to afford it, or even the time or the location in their homes to be able to sit and revise. What you are doing with the group of volunteers will be instrumental in making a huge difference to the lives of our young people.”

4. Zero administrative burden for teaching staff

We know school staff are stretched to capacity. That is why every Action Tutoring programme is managed on-site by a dedicated Programme Coordinator who handles logistics, behaviour, and tutor support.

Steve Muzio emphasised the operational ease:

“From a workload perspective, it is incredibly helpful that I can arrive first thing, ensure the session is running, and then leave it in the PC’s hands after 15 minutes. Knowing there is a trusted adult in the room and that things will run smoothly allows me to get on with my day.”

Ella James echoed this experience:

“It does not affect teacher workload as the tutors are very self sufficient and do not require any intervention in terms of behaviour. Chloe, who runs the session, ensures that all tutors and pupils are on task, engaged and supported which really helps the session to move smoothly.”

Get in touch!

Action Tutoring offers a proven, sustainable, and cost-effective way to stretch your Pupil Premium budget and transform outcomes for your most vulnerable learners. To explore a 2026-27 partnership, find out more or get in touch below.