Why our curriculum is in expert hands
When a school partners with an external provider, the biggest concern for any Head of Maths or English could very well be alignment. Does this provider understand our curriculum? Do they know the specific hurdles our Pupil Premium students face? Can they speak the same pedagogical language as our staff?
At Action Tutoring, the answer is a definitive yes. That’s because our programmes aren’t just “delivered” to schools – they are crafted by former school teachers and leaders who have spent years on the front lines.
From Head of Maths to Curriculum Coordinator: Jen
One of the key architects behind our maths provision is Jen, our Maths Curriculum Coordinator. Before joining Action Tutoring, Jen spent a decade in the classroom, including five years as a Head of Maths in a Bristol secondary school.
Jen’s journey to Action Tutoring was born out of the same challenge many of our partner schools face today. In 2018, she was tasked by her Senior Leadership Team to find evidence-based, sustainable ways to support disadvantaged pupils.
Fast-forward to 2025, she joined the Action Tutoring staff team as the Maths Curriculum Coordinator (maternity cover):
“I remained deeply committed to removing the barriers preventing pupils facing disadvantage from succeeding. After ten years of teaching, I reached a point where I wanted to step outside the classroom, but I didn’t want to leave the mission behind. Discovering the Action Tutoring model left me immediately impressed.”
Jen, Action Tutoring Maths Curriculum Coordinator
From in-school Curriculum Leader to Curriculum Coordinator: Maria
Our English provision is led by a similar level of expertise. Before joining the Action Tutoring team, our English Curriculum Coordinator Maria spent 12 rewarding years at an all-girls comprehensive school in Liverpool, serving as the Curriculum Leader for English.
With over a decade of experience in classroom teaching and behavior management, she brings a deep understanding of what it takes to engage young people in literacy. Much like Jen, her move to Action Tutoring was driven by a desire for a flexible work-life balance while still making meaningful use of her extensive experience in education.
“The social mission of teaching has always been incredibly important to me,” she explains.“I knew that this sense of purpose needed to remain a central element of my career.
“Action Tutoring offered the perfect opportunity to combine my pedagogical and teaching expertise with a role that aligns closely with my values. Working for an organisation that is deeply committed to supporting disadvantaged young people and helping them to flourish within their communities has been both inspiring and fulfilling.”
Maria, Action Tutoring English Curriculum Coordinator
Speaking the same language
Our workbooks and tutor training are designed with a “teacher’s eye.” Jen has been able to translate her favourite parts of being a Head of Maths – specifically curriculum design and gap analysis – into the resources our tutors use every day.
“Maths and English are the ultimate keys for young people. Passing GCSEs opens doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain locked. We know that only 43% of disadvantaged pupils currently pass both subjects, compared to 73% of their wealthier peers.
That 30% gap is exactly what we are here to close.”
What schools say
“I really value how reflective and responsive Action Tutoring is. For example, the English Language booklet was adapted to match exam questions more closely and I was invited to be part of a conversation on how baselines and progress checks are used by the Action Tutoring team.”
Charlotte Bowyer, Assistant Headteacher at King Ecgbert School in Sheffield
“During Year 6, children sit previous SATs papers on a regular basis. In our most recent assessments, the tutored children had all improved significantly with their Arithmetic scores, with some doubling their previous achievements.
During our Maths lessons, I also regularly hear children saying ‘well, that’s what my tutor said to do!’ as they tackle a problem, which is great testimony to the impact that Action Tutoring is having on our children and their learning.”
Jill Hanna, Year 6 teacher at Whitehouse Primary School in Newcastle
Find out more
Interested in a 2026-27 programme? Visit our schools page or send an enquiry.
