A strategy designed for Ofsted success: Evidence-based tutoring for disadvantaged pupils
The revised 2025 Ofsted inspection framework places significant emphasis on an “inclusion-first” approach and requires evidence-based, coherent Pupil Premium strategies. Effective interventions must be data-driven, align with wider school improvement priorities, and demonstrate tangible impacts on pupil progress.
Tutoring is one of the most effective ways to support disadvantaged pupils. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) suggests that an intense programme of one-to-one tuition could add as much as five months’ progress to a young person’s schooling.
Action Tutoring is an award-winning national education charity dedicated to closing the attainment gap through the delivery of impactful tutoring. Our proven approach aligns with your school improvement priorities and the latest inspection expectations for Pupil Premium success.
We partner with schools to deliver:
- Evidence-based tutoring programmes in English and maths, for disadvantaged pupils in primary and secondary state schools across England.
- A heavily subsidised, low-cost tutoring model. Our fundraising covers 75% of costs, meaning schools only pay a 25% contribution.
- 14 years of proven impact in helping schools maximise pupil outcomes.
- Specific design to support your school in meeting both the ‘expected’ standards for Achievement and Inclusion.
How does Action Tutoring help schools meet Ofsted’s Achievement and Inclusion standards?
By providing personalised, focused instruction, our evidence-based tutoring helps pupils close learning gaps, build confidence, and achieve their academic potential.
Inclusion first model
We focus deeply on inclusion and creating equity for disadvantaged pupils through our programme and curriculum design, progress analysis, and impact reporting.
Targeted academic support
We deliver tailored, impactful tutoring in maths and English for borderline, disadvantaged pupils in Years 5, 6, 7, 10, and 11. This is one of the three ways the DfE suggests addressing challenges for disadvantaged pupils.
Evidence-based spend
Tutoring is one of the best-evidenced interventions for supporting disadvantaged pupils’ attainment. Our approach is evidence-based and informed by the EEF, including small group tuition (no larger than 1:3).
Effective monitoring and evaluation
We produce a gap report after diagnostic assessment to inform tutoring and a progress report later in the year, providing schools with quantitative and qualitative data.
Our impact – primary pupil outcomes (SATs)
- Reading: disadvantaged pupils who had 10 or more sessions with Action Tutoring achieved the expected standard at the same rate as non-disadvantaged pupils nationwide (81%), effectively closing the gap.
- Maths: disadvantaged pupils who had 10 or more sessions with Action Tutoring were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard.
Our impact – secondary pupil outcomes (GCSEs)
- English language: Action Tutoring pupils were 10% more likely to pass in English.
- Maths: Action Tutoring pupils were 13% more likely to pass in maths.
Holistic impact
Beyond attainment, our programme is shown to build the confidence and engagement Ofsted looks for in pupil case sampling. Teachers gave an average score of 8.1/10 for pupils increasing in confidence from taking part.
How schools like yours have achieved Ofsted success with Action Tutoring
Learn why St Ursula’s Convent School chose Action Tutoring as a high-quality, affordable partner, supporting both academic outcomes and the holistic needs of vulnerable pupils. The school achieved a ‘Strong standard’ for Achievement, with Ofsted inspectors visiting an Action Tutoring session.
We partner with over 150 schools nationwide. Hear directly from school leaders on how they have successfully linked Action Tutoring interventions with the Ofsted framework.
Ready to implement a proven strategy for Pupil Premium success?
Get in touch via our school enquiry form or using the contact details below.
Email: schoolenquiries@actiontutoring.org.uk
Phone: 0203 872 589431
