University volunteer placements
Need to complete placement hours for your degree? Join Action Tutoring for a structured, school-based placement that builds your CV and fulfils your course requirements.
Express interest Download flyerA placement that works for your degree
Finding a volunteer placement that meets university standards can be a challenge. At Action Tutoring, we provide a formalised placement structure that is already trusted by leading UK universities. Whether you are studying Education, Psychology, or any subject with a “work-based learning” module, we ensure your time in the classroom is impactful and easily tracked.
The “maths” of your placement
We help you reach your hour goals by combining direct tutoring with essential professional development.
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Tutoring: 1 hour per week, per programme.
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Training: 2–5 hours of initial safeguarding and pedagogy training.
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Prep and reflection: 30 minutes of accredited preparation time per session.
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Flexible scaling: Need more hours? You can volunteer across multiple programmes or subjects to meet your specific course deadline, or enquire with your Action Tutoring placement coordinator about potential different activities you can support with across the organisation.
Why students choose Action Tutoring
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Hassle-free sign-off: Our dedicated placement coordinators are familiar with university paperwork. We can support with hour-tracking and feedback for any final reports.
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No lesson planning: We provide all workbooks and resources, so you can focus on building your communication and behaviour management skills.
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First-hand experience: Get “inside the room” in England primary or secondary schools – experience that is invaluable for PGCE and teacher training applications.
Who can apply?
We welcome undergraduate and postgraduate students from all disciplines.
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Criteria: You must be 18+ and have a strong understanding of English or maths (A-Level or equivalent).
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International students: This is a fantastic way to gain your first UK-based work experience and build your professional network in a supportive environment.
What our placement students say
I’ve been able to see a variety of pupils from different schools all across England and gain a better understanding of the mind of a child, and how absorbent they are!
Being exposed to pupils of different ages within a school environment gives you experiences that cannot be gained elsewhere. Volunteering was a great opportunity to develop skills, such as learning to adapt to different school systems, learning to communicate in a clear and effective manner and time management, to name a few.
The programme coordinators are always friendly, super approachable, and have been extremely supportive with any enquiries I’ve had. They host weekly post-session debriefs where you get a chance to share how the session went, meet fellow tutors, discuss any issues you might have faced, and receive feedback.
My most valuable skills that I have gained were confidence and patience. Leading a tutoring class by myself has taught me how to speak with confidence, I’ve learnt how to keep people engaged and listening to what I was saying
A head start for your teaching career
If you are planning to apply for a PGCE or Initial Teacher Training (ITT), classroom experience is no longer just “preferred” – it is essential. Action Tutoring acts as a bridge between your degree and your future career in education.
- Master the curriculum: Get hands-on experience with the National Curriculum for Key Stage 2 (primary) or GCSE (secondary), giving you a massive advantage during your training year.
- Behaviour management in practice: Move beyond the theory. You’ll learn how to engage pupils, manage small groups, and adapt your communication style in a real-world setting.
- Understand pedagogy: Our workbooks are designed using evidence-based teaching methods. By following our scripts and models, you’ll naturally begin to understand the “science of learning” before you even start your formal training.
- Strengthen your UCAS application: We provide you with the specific, “in-the-room” examples you need to write a standout personal statement and ace your teaching interviews.
Current availability
We are taking expressions of interest for 2026/27.
