13 reasons why… you should get involved with Action Tutoring

This May, we’re celebrating 13 years of tutoring, connection and impact.

At Action Tutoring, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed – no matter their background. As we celebrate our 13th birthday, we’re taking the opportunity to reflect on what makes our work so meaningful – and why now is a brilliant time to join us, whether you’re looking to volunteer, partner as a school, or collaborate as a business.

Here are 13 reasons to get involved with Action Tutoring:

1. You can make a difference in just one hour a week

Volunteering doesn’t have to take up all your free time. One hour a week is all it takes to support pupils with their English or maths and help unlock their potential.

Sally, a retired optometrist and volunteer tutor, says:

“Online tutoring is great – you literally can give one hour a week… If there was nobody volunteering, society would be much more disjointed.”

2. We work with schools that need support the most

We partner with schools that serve disadvantaged pupil populations that exceed the national average. We work closely with teachers to provide consistent, personalised support.

Jobe Swingler, Assistant Headteacher at North Birmingham Academy, says:

“Action Tutoring has proven to be an invaluable resource, providing skilled and dependable tutors on a large scale—precisely the kind of support our students need to thrive.

What I particularly value about Action Tutoring is their adaptability and responsiveness. For example, the Maths resources were tailored to better align with our teaching methods, and I was included in discussions about how the charity tracks student progress through baseline and progress assessments.”

3. Your support helps pupils grow in confidence

Small group tutoring gives pupils the space to ask questions and build their confidence in a way that’s hard to achieve in a large classroom.

Lilah, a Year 6 pupil, told us:

“I feel like when there’s a big class you don’t really get more time to sort of think about [your answer], because the rest of the class needs to carry on. Before tutoring, I was struggling with multiplication. Now my reading’s better and my grades have gone up a lot!”

4. You don’t need to be a teacher

We welcome volunteers from all walks of life – from university students, to those in full-time work, career changers and retirees. What we look for is solid subject knowledge in the area our volunteers wish to tutor, and of course, a commitment to supporting young people to succeed.

We provide full training, tutoring resources and ongoing support.

5. Our tutors form real connections with pupils

Tutors often form a bond with the pupils they support – something that helps with engagement and progress.

Gemma, Deputy Headteacher at Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy in Bristol, shared:

“We had a pupil join the school with poor attendance, low self-confidence, and working below expected standard. It took us a while to get him to start attending tutoring sessions but when he did, he had an instant bond with his tutor. His attendance, attitude and performance gradually started to improve. Being able to relate to his tutor made such a difference and he went on to meet expected standards.”

6. We help close the attainment gap

We exist to tackle the unfair difference in educational outcomes between pupils from low-income backgrounds and their peers. Your support helps level the playing field.

In 2023-24:

• Year 6 pupils completing the tutoring programme in reading almost closed the attainment gap with their better-off peers nationally. Children tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard than other pupils nationally, while those tutored in English were 24% more likely to reach that benchmark.
• Disadvantaged pupils attending 10 or more sessions increased their chances of passing GCSE English Language by 19%, and GCSE maths by 17%, in comparison to the national pass rate. After completing our programme, young people were more likely to pass the GCSE in their tutored subject, compared with other pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds nationally.

7. Our tutoring works – and the evidence backs it

We use baseline and progress assessments to measure pupil progress. Our tutoring model is informed by evidence and regularly reviewed for impact.

8. We’re responsive and collaborative

We tailor our approach to suit each school. From adapting resources to tracking pupil progress, we work closely with teachers to get it right.

Assistant Headteacher Jobe Swingler adds:

“From the CEO to the coordinators and volunteers, everyone is dedicated to supporting our students.”

9. Volunteering builds your skills

Whether you’re developing communication, leadership or problem-solving skills, tutoring enhances your confidence and capabilities.

Aneeqa, student volunteer, says:

“I now laugh at how I assumed my first session would go – Action Tutoring has given me a great new teaching outlook.”

10. We reach pupils in-person and online

Our hybrid model means volunteers can support pupils from anywhere in England. This flexibility also increases access for pupils in areas where in-person tutoring is harder to deliver.

11. Our pupils want to be here

Pupils often give up their time after school to attend tutoring – a sign of how much they value the sessions.

Paul Haigh, Headteacher at King Ecgbert School in Sheffield, says:

“Asking pupils to stay behind school when their friends are going home isn’t easy but the fact they do so willingly and commit to the session shows how much they value it.

I often look around our sixth form and know there are pupils that would not have got there without Action Tutoring. Some of them are now looking at university as their next step.”

12. Businesses can get involved too

We partner with businesses who want to create positive social impact. Opportunities include employee volunteering, fundraising, and supporting our reach in new areas.

13. You’ll be part of a movement for change

For 13 years, we’ve seen what’s possible when communities come together to support young people. With your help, we can reach even more pupils and build a fairer future.

If you’re ready to make a difference – as a tutor, partner school or supporter – get involved today. Because one hour a week can have a lifetime of impact.

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Action Tutoring and the EEF partner to evaluate impact of maths tutoring programme

Action Tutoring is delighted to announce a new partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) to conduct a rigorous evaluation of its established maths tutoring programme for secondary school pupils facing disadvantage. 

Working alongside leading research organisations, the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and the Behavioural Insights Team (BIT), this project aims to provide robust evidence about the programme’s effectiveness.

The evaluation will employ a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design, considered the gold standard in research methodology. This approach will allow researchers to assess the impact of Action Tutoring’s small-group tuition on maths attainment and attitudes among pupils in Years 7, 10, and 11. The study will focus on pupils in state-maintained mainstream schools in England with at least 18% of pupils eligible for the Pupil Premium.

Evaluating for impact and improvement

Action Tutoring’s programme provides targeted support through trained volunteer tutors, utilising a curriculum developed by experienced educators. The evaluation will not only assess the overall impact of the programme but also explore potential strategies to further enhance its effectiveness. This “nimble trial” approach will allow for the testing of promising methods, such as those aimed at improving pupil engagement.

The partnership with the EEF underscores Action Tutoring’s commitment to evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. By rigorously evaluating its programme, Action Tutoring aims to contribute valuable insights to the education sector and inform best practices for supporting pupils facing disadvantage in maths. The findings from this study will be shared with schools, policymakers, and other stakeholders to maximise the reach and impact of effective tutoring interventions.

Evaluation timeline

The evaluation will follow a structured timeline, with data collection occurring over the course of the 2025-26 academic year and results expected to be published in summer 2027. This collaborative effort will involve participating schools, volunteer tutors, and the research teams at NFER and BIT.

Explore opportunities to participate: schools and volunteers

For schools interested in learning more about how to participate in this exciting initiative, or just wanting to find out more, please visit our dedicated EEF evaluation webpage.

Individuals passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people and interested in volunteering as a tutor on an Action Tutoring programme can find more information on our volunteer page.

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Why you can’t just stick a worksheet online and call it e-learning – what we’ve learned from developing an impactful online tutoring curriculum

In an era where online learning has become a staple of education, it’s tempting to believe that transitioning from in-person teaching to digital delivery is as simple as uploading worksheets or repurposing classroom resources. 

At Action Tutoring we believe that truly impactful e-learning requires much more. We’ve been supporting pupils facing disadvantage with face-to-face tutoring for over 12 years. In 2021 we gained a huge amount of experience in managing sessions remotely when the pandemic forced pupils into home-based learning. This experience has been invaluable in enabling us to shift to an effective remote model, allowing us to reach and to support even more pupils facing disadvantage, including those outside of urban centres.

Here’s why we’ve found an effective online curriculum delivery must be carefully designed and expertly executed, based on our experience developing an impactful online tutoring programme.

Why effective online curriculum delivery requires thoughtful design and expert execution

1. Curriculum design: more than resources

Effective online learning begins with a well-structured curriculum. Success isn’t just about the materials you provide; it’s about crafting a journey for learners. Our online curriculum includes:

Recapping and recalling: Resources are designed with built-in opportunities for pupils to review previous learning and reinforce key concepts.

Expert craftsmanship: We’ve appointed in-house Curriculum Leads (CLs) to ensure that every session is tailored, focused, and impactful for our specific audience.

Inclusion as standard: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is at the heart of our content. We aspire towards DEI targets, such as a 50/50 gender split between authors of texts, names from a variety of cultures and languages, and that 25% of text authors come from ethnic minorities. By avoiding stereotypes and incorporating school feedback, we create lessons that resonate with pupils from all backgrounds.

2. Delivery drives results

While resources are critical, the way they’re delivered makes all the difference. Our volunteer tutors receive tailored training to use Action Tutoring’s online resources effectively. This training empowers them to:

Model and question: Tutors learn how to break down concepts, ask probing questions, and set clear objectives.

Engage and assess: They’re trained to monitor progress, engage learners, and adapt their approach during sessions.

Leverage technology: Training covers our online platform, Vedamo, equipping tutors to use interactive features such as shared whiteboards, chat functions, and session slides effectively.

Tailor-made training is offered throughout the tutor journey, with online modules, live webinars, drop ins with Curriculum Leads and demonstration videos all regularly available. These offerings are crucial in ensuring tutors feel supported and empowered to deliver effective sessions. 

3. Overcoming online learning challenges

Online learning is not without its pitfalls. That’s why our curriculum and delivery model are designed to address common barriers:

Building rapport and reducing isolation: Structured activities like check-ins and group games foster interaction and connection. Pupils collaborate on shared tasks, such as peer-assessing answers on the same board.

Managing distractions: Noise-cancelling headphones help pupils stay focused, and visually engaging session designs maintain their attention.

Improving familiarity: Each session includes practice time to build confidence in navigating the online classroom environment.

4. Technology and curriculum alignment

One of the hallmarks of our approach is the seamless integration of technology with curriculum content:

Purpose-built platforms: Unlike generic video conferencing tools, Vedamo is specifically designed for learning. It features interactive tools like text boxes, highlighting, and slide navigation, enabling pupils to actively engage with their tutoring sessions. Pupils can write on the screen so tutors can assess their work in real time; and they can see their peers’ ideas to enable group discussions

Real-time support: Our dedicated online support system staff provide live technical assistance, ensuring that disruptions don’t derail learning.

5. Pupils at the centre of design

An impactful curriculum also supports the social and emotional development of pupils. We’ve learned that:

Safety and value are key: Pupils thrive when they feel supported. Our tutors prioritise building strong relationships, which is frequently mentioned in the pupil feedback we collect each year.

Targeted content leads to impact: Because our curriculum is so sharply focused on the needs of disadvantaged pupils, it delivers measurable results. For instance, pupils who attend 10 or more sessions see substantial improvements in their SATs and GCSE outcomes. 

In 2023–24 we carried out an in-depth study, quality assured by a leading research organisation. It found that online and face-to-face tutoring led to similar levels of impact in the results pupils achieved. In fact, Year 11 maths pupils seemed to benefit slightly from the online format.

6. Continuous improvement

Finally, an effective online curriculum is never static. We constantly refine our programme based on:

Research and evidence: Regular reviews of tutoring research and updates to the National Curriculum inform our resources.

Feedback from schools: Partner schools help us understand what works best, shaping future iterations of our materials.

Platform enhancements: Recent updates to Vedamo, such as streamlined slide navigation, make our online learning experience even more user-friendly.

The bottom line

True e-learning goes far beyond uploading worksheets or digitising existing resources. It’s a collaborative effort that combines expertly designed materials, inclusive practices, skilled delivery, and robust technology.

At Action Tutoring, we’re proud to offer a model of online tutoring that mitigates the challenges of e-learning and maximises its potential. If your school is looking for ways to support pupils effectively in an online environment, we’d love to help. Together, we can close the gap for disadvantaged pupils and help them achieve their full potential.

Insights from the 2023-24 teacher survey: what we’ve learned and how it could help your school

At Action Tutoring, we value the feedback of every teacher we work with, as it helps us continuously improve our services and impact. Each year, we send out a survey to our school partners, asking teachers for their opinions on various aspects of our tutoring programme. This year’s teacher survey, which gathered 69 responses from 61 schools, provided valuable insights that can help us better support pupils and school communities.

Here’s a summary of the key takeaways from the survey, including how these findings could help your school make the most of tutoring support in the coming year.

Positive impact on pupil confidence 

One of the most important aspects we measure is the impact of our tutoring on pupils. Overall, many teachers noted the positive effects tutoring had on their pupils, particularly in terms of confidence. The programme scored highly in this area, with many teachers noting that it helped pupils feel more empowered and confident in their learning. This is a crucial outcome, especially for pupils who may have faced barriers to success in the past.

While most schools reported a positive impact, some noted challenges with pupil attendance, likely due to factors such as ongoing effects of the Covid pandemic or other school-related issues. We’re committed to supporting schools to overcome this in future sessions,.

Strong programme and value for money

Teachers were confident in the quality and value for money of our tutoring programme, with an average score of 8.6 out of 10. One of the highest ratings was for our robust safeguarding policies, which were rated highly by nearly all respondents. This highlights the importance we place on providing a safe, secure environment for pupils, whether they are engaging in in-person or online tutoring.

When asked about the overall programme quality, many teachers expressed satisfaction, with some praising the clear communication and support provided by our staff. Some schools did note that the input required from them could be higher than expected, particularly when it comes to coordinating logistics and ensuring attendance. This feedback is invaluable, and we will continue to work closely with schools to make tutoring as seamless as possible.

General feedback: what teachers value most

A number of teachers highlighted the high quality of our staff and the positive impact of individual Programme Coordinators on their school experience. Many teachers pointed to specific members of our team for praise, underscoring how important our Programme Coordinators are in ensuring that tutoring runs smoothly and efficiently.

A few teachers wanted more explicit links between the tutoring curriculum and the specific topics pupils were covering in school. We’re committed to addressing these concerns by continually reviewing our approach and curriculum, ensuring it’s as aligned as possible with what pupils are learning in class.

Teacher perceptions of assessment

For the first time, we included questions about how teachers perceived Action Tutoring’s approach to assessment. Though only a minority of schools responded to these questions, the feedback we received was constructive and insightful. Teachers shared that they would appreciate more clarity around how assessments are used to measure progress and how this data could inform their work with pupils. We will consider expanding this section in future surveys to ensure we’re meeting the needs of schools and pupils alike.

Moving forward: Action Tutoring’s commitment to schools

Overall, the survey results demonstrate that, while there are areas to improve, our tutoring programme is making a positive impact in schools across the country (you can view our impact data here). We are committed to listening to feedback and continuously refining our approach to ensure that we support both pupils and teachers in the most effective way possible.

In the coming year, we’ll be working closely with schools to build on the successes highlighted in the survey while addressing the challenges that some teachers raised. We’ll continue to offer high-quality tutoring and support, always with the goal of helping disadvantaged pupils achieve their full potential.

If you’re a school leader or teacher who’s interested in working with Action Tutoring again, or you’re considering partnering with us for the first time, we’d love to hear from you. 

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Top quality GCSE tutoring: bringing Action Tutoring to your school

Are you looking for effective GCSE tutoring? Discover how Action Tutoring can provide high-quality support in maths and English for pupils facing disadvantage in your school. By partnering with us, you can offer targeted, impactful tuition to help your young people succeed.

Why choose Action Tutoring?

1. Proven impact: Our GCSE tutoring programmes have proven impact. Pupils who participate in ten or more sessions with Action Tutoring are significantly more likely to achieve a level 4 compared to other pupils facing disadvantage across the country. For instance, in maths, our pupils are 13 percentage points more likely to pass their GCSEs.
2. Tailored tutoring programmes: We offer flexible, small-group sessions tailored to the needs of each school and pupil. Our sessions, which can be conducted in-person or online, run before, during, or shortly after the school day, ensuring high attendance and engagement.
3. Minimal workload for schools: We handle the logistics and administration, allowing teachers to focus on their existing responsibilities. Our Programme Coordinators oversee the delivery and quality assurance of our sessions.
4. Low cost solution: We understand the current pressures on school budgets, so we fundraise to heavily subsidise the cost of our programmes, meaning schools pay just 30% of all costs.

Please note that if you’re a parent or pupil looking for a GCSE tutor, you will need to refer us to your school by emailing this guide, and ask them to get in touch.

How our GCSE tutoring programmes work

• Small group sessions: Our tutoring sessions are delivered in small groups, typically with a tutor-to-pupil ratio of no larger than 1:3. This allows for personalised attention and support, helping pupils to grasp complex concepts and build confidence.
• Comprehensive curriculum: Our curriculum is developed by specialist leads in maths and English, ensuring that the content is aligned with current educational research and best practices. In secondary schools, we focus on filling knowledge gaps and preparing pupils for their GCSEs, with resources that are continuously reviewed and updated.
• Flexible scheduling: We understand the importance of convenience and flexibility. Our sessions can be scheduled before, during, or shortly after the school day, based on what works best for your school and its pupils. We work closely with schools to ensure high attendance and engagement, with no sessions during school holidays.

The role of schools in our programme

1. Partnering with Action Tutoring means collaborating to identify young people who would benefit most from our support. We prioritise pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding or Free School Meals, aiming to close the attainment gap. Our dedicated Programme Coordinators handle all logistics, from initial assessments to progress tracking, providing regular feedback to schools.

How schools interested in GCSE tutoring can partner with Action Tutoring

1. Contact us: Reach out to discuss your pupils’ needs and find out how our programmes can best support them. Please note that if you’re a parent or pupil looking for a GCSE tutor, you will need to refer us to your school and ask them to get in touch.
2. Select pupils: Identify the pupils who will participate, ensuring at least 65% are eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
3. Set up: We’ll arrange baseline assessments and work with you to schedule sessions. Our Programme Coordinator will be on-hand to support and manage the programme.

Why schools love Action Tutoring

“Action Tutoring gives pupils a real chance to engage in catch-up interventions which might otherwise not be available to Pupil Premium pupils. It’s a potential life-changer!”

— Steve Gittens, Executive Headteacher at Wallsend St. Peter’s, Newcastle

“Action Tutoring has helped raise the confidence and academic achievement of many of our Year 11 students. It is an extremely well organised organisation who we have had the pleasure of working with for several years!”

— James Kennedy, Key Stage 4 Leader, King Edward VII School, Sheffield

Ready to get started?

If you’re interested in bringing Action Tutoring to your school, any staff member from the school can get in touch with us today. We offer heavily subsidised rates, ensuring our high-quality programmes are accessible to schools facing budget constraints.

By partnering with Action Tutoring, your school can provide invaluable support to pupils who need it most, helping them to achieve their academic potential and succeed in their GCSEs. 

Volunteers Week 2024 – three ways you can get involved

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:

1. 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. 

2. 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.

3. 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

Read Youcef’s story.

“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

Read Sally’s story

“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

Read Eilidh’s story

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

Student Volunteering Week 2024 – what to expect

Student Volunteering Week 2024 is approaching and you might be thinking – what is it? What’s the point? And, most importantly; how can I get involved?

What is Student Volunteering Week?

Student Volunteering Week is an annual event that celebrates and promotes student volunteering across the UK. It encourages students to:

• Engage in volunteer activities
• Develop valuable skills for their future
• Make a positive impact on the communities in which they live.

When will Student Volunteering Week 2024 take place?

Student Volunteering Week 2024 is happening from Monday 12th to Sunday 18th February 2024.

What to expect from Student Volunteering Week 2024 

If you’re a student, it’s likely that your university will be hosting one or more events during the week. These might include:

• Sessions on getting into volunteering
• Charity spotlights, or volunteer days with specific charities
• Volunteering fairs
• Taster workshops

You can check your university volunteering service, careers or student union page for information on what activities they’re hosting throughout the week.

What types of volunteering opportunities are available to me as a student?

The world is your oyster! There are a huge range of opportunities to get involved in, depending on your interests and skills. Here are some common categories of volunteering you can get involved in:

• Conservation: opportunities include tree planting, cleanups and habitat restoration.
• Education: tutor or mentor younger pupils who would benefit from your help. 
• Community: students can volunteer at local community centres, food banks, or shelters.
• Elderly: provide companionship or assistants to seniors at home or in nursing homes.
• International volunteering: some students choose to volunteer abroad, contributing to projects related to education, healthcare or construction.

Why do students volunteer?

Most of the reasons students volunteer are shared by all volunteers – to give back, explore interests and build a sense of purpose.

Another key motivation is that volunteering provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in a specific field. Volunteering can help students build their CVs and enhance their skills in preparation for future careers. 

Some students get involved in volunteering as part of their university course. This can be in the form of a placement, volunteering module or a work-based learning module.

It’s also a great opportunity to network. At Action Tutoring, many of our staff members volunteered with us before taking the opportunity to join our staff team!

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“During my university placement, I tutored both online and face-to-face and really enjoyed seeing the impact of the work I was doing with the pupils in real-time. I enjoyed tutoring more and more with every session.

My interest in the charity sector and my passion for reducing educational inequality spurred me on to apply for the role of North West Programme Coordinator! This role has enabled me to deepen my understanding of the education charity sector and develop within myself as a young professional.”

– Laura, North West Programme Coordinator

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How can I find out more about volunteering with Action Tutoring?

To find out more about volunteering with Action Tutoring this Student Volunteering Week 2024, just head to our volunteer page, or check out our role description.

Already an Action Tutoring volunteer, and want to get involved in Student Volunteering Week 2024?

There are a number of ways in which you can get involved and help us to grow our volunteer community.

• Post on social media about your experiences volunteering with us. This could be your “why”, sharing our impact data, your top tutoring tip or a volunteering highlight. Don’t forget to tag us! 
• Get creative on TikTok. It goes without saying that you can’t film your pupils, but we’d love to see your journey to/from your programme, session highlights or any advice you have for new volunteers who are thinking about getting involved.
• Write a blog on your experiences volunteering. Most university volunteering or careers services have a blog to share volunteer experiences and shine a light on different charities.

So, we hope you’ve come away with at least one idea of how to get involved in Student Volunteering Week! A huge thank you to all students who are already volunteering alongside their studies and making a difference in their communities.

Volunteer in Coventry school for one hour a week

Action Tutoring is delighted to announce its first face-to-face programme in Coventry!

This academic year we’re partnering with Whitmore Park Primary School to provide disadvantaged pupils with support in maths and English.

We’re looking for four English tutors and four maths tutors to volunteer at Whitmore Park Primary School for one hour a week. Read on to find out what your support would mean, and how to get involved. 

Why volunteer in Coventry?

Approximately 31% of Coventry children live in low income families (after housing costs). Children from low-income families are statistically less likely to achieve a passing grade in their maths and English GCSEs. They’re also less likely to achieve the grades at the end of primary school that will help them stand a fighting chance of keeping up in secondary school.

Action Tutoring first expanded its reach to Coventry in 2021 as part of its strategy to support children outside of bigger urban centres, like London and Birmingham. 

We have an ambition for 30% of our delivery to be happening in these locations through our online model in three years’ time. To be able to provide face-to-face tutoring opportunities for these children, we need to engage local volunteers.

What difference can I make? 

That’s where Action Tutoring volunteers come in. Disadvantaged pupils supported by our volunteers consistently outperform the national percentage of this group achieving expected standards in their SATs exams.

In 2021-22, pupils supported by Action Tutoring were 8 percentage points more likely to achieve expected standards in maths and 8 percentage points more in English, too.

“Our children have gained so much confidence and enjoyment of maths thanks to Action Tutoring. Children talk so positively about their sessions and we have had very positive feedback from parents. We can see the children making progress in their sessions and the impact it has on their work in the classroom.”

Deputy Headteacher, London primary school

How do the volunteer programmes work?

Our volunteer tutors support between one and three pupils for one hour a week. Usually the sessions take place before, during or after school. 

Action Tutoring provides tutor workbooks, which contain everything you need to plan and tutor each session. For in-school programmes like Whitmore Park, a staff member (Programme Coordinator) will be there to oversee the session and provide any support needed.

What kind of volunteer community would I be joining?

We’re proud that our diverse group of volunteers range in age from 18 to 82, and are a mix of university students, retired professionals, working professionals and many others. 

As well as having access to our tutor workbooks, you’d have access to our ongoing training sessions, called “Bright Ideas”. We want to foster a community of volunteers where we learn from and grow with each other.

“Since starting my volunteering, I have learnt that you are never too old to learn new skills. I now have greater confidence with technology and a greater understanding of how to communicate with children and young people in an academic environment.”

Elaine Mitchell, retired volunteer from Wolverhampton

How can I sign up to volunteer in Coventry, or elsewhere?

You can sign up on our volunteer page. Once you’ve expressed your interest, you can get started in three simple steps:

1. Complete the application form (this should take around 15 minutes)
2. If accepted, we’ll invite you to an online training session to share all the introductory information you need
3. We’ll then process a DBS check for you (you need this to work with children in the UK). 

Once that’s processed, you’ll be all set to sign up to a programme of your choice. We also partner with schools in London, Bristol, Sussex, Birmingham, Nottingham, Merseyside and Cheshire, Sheffield, Newcastle and County Durham. If you’re not based in any of these locations, you can volunteer as a tutor online. 

Questions?

Contact our friendly team at hello@actiontutoring.org.uk.

Volunteering on a placement: five employability skills our student volunteers have learnt

Volunteering on a placement with Action Tutoring

Action Tutoring’s placement students actively support 1-3 young people across 10–20 weeks, building their maths or English subject knowledge, confidence and study skills. Volunteering on a placement, you can flex the number of programmes you volunteer on depending on the requirements of the module. And, additional responsibilities can be built in to ensure the full work experience objectives are met!

This Student Volunteering Week, we want to showcase five employability skills our 2022-23 placement students have learned so far…

1. Presenting topics in different ways to suit your audience

The pupils have taught me patience and creativity go hand in hand. If I can make their lessons interesting, with variation and by relating topics to them, then they will engage more with the subject material and benefit much better overall.

Cam, English Literature student at Newcastle University. Cam is volunteering with us as part of his Career Development Module

Action Tutoring provides tutors with workbooks and session plans, but you’ll still need your initiative and creativity! Tutoring hones skills in adapting your presentation style to suit different audiences. 

These skills are transferable to any role in which you would need to present, pitch or explain an idea. 

2. Empathy and understanding people from different backgrounds

Working with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds has greatly improved my empathy. Throughout my time at school, I was fortunate enough to receive the necessary educational tools to allow me to thrive academically. Volunteering with Action Tutoring has opened my eyes to the attainment gap in schools across the country, and I have become increasingly aware of the academic struggles these pupils face.

Felix, Sports and Exercise student at the University of Exeter. Felix is volunteering with us as part of his Employability Module.

Experience working with people from different backgrounds is something many employers look for. They might ask you how you can relate to others, or for examples of how you’ve adapted your communication style in the past.

Working with children (particularly if you are tutoring pupils in a different area of the country!) is a great way of demonstrating this.

3. Patience, perseverance and motivation

Action Tutoring is a good way to improve your perseverance and patience skills, as every pupil is different and will often take a few sessions to feel comfortable around you.

Katie, Sociology student at Liverpool John Moore’s University. Katie is volunteering with us as part of her Sociology degree.

Perseverance is linked with motivation. Sometimes, your tutoring session might not run as smoothly as you’d like it to. A great way to demonstrate your motivated attitude is to explain how you overcame obstacles in your tutoring sessions. 

Did you have to try three different ways of framing your explanation before you got that “lightbulb moment” with your pupil? Did you bring in a game to help them understand better the next time? 

Tutoring experience can demonstrate that you are proactive and don’t allow challenges to keep you, or your pupil, from making progress.

4. Communication and confidence

The main thing that I have drawn from my pupils is communicating effectively. Before tutoring I felt that I had issues with my communication, regularly feeling anxious, however their desire to learn gave me confidence in my communication.

Madeline, English Literature student at the University of Liverpool. Madeline is volunteering with us as part of her Arts placement.

There are four fundamental skills involved in communicating effectively in any job: writing, speaking, listening and presenting. Tutoring can help you develop in all four areas. 

Speaking also includes the use of body language, gestures and facial expressions effectively to aid communication. Tutoring is a great way to consciously practise these, as it can make you appear more approachable and help you connect with your pupils more. Read more tutoring tips!

5. Problem-solving

Developing my problem-solving and communication skills whilst teaching my tutees English has been both beneficial and seriously rewarding. The ability to actively engage tutee’s attention whilst providing a fun learning environment has been a skill and experience I wouldn’t usually use.

Tom, Human Geography student at Newcastle University. Tom is volunteering with us as part of his Career Development Module.

Employers value those who can problem-solve; it improves efficiency and increases the productivity of the organisation. When tutoring, you may need to use initiative and think outside the box. 

How can you help your pupil understand how you got to the answer? How can you engage their attention if they’re distracted? Solving these small problems is key to an effective tutoring session. 

More information on volunteer placements

You as an individual become more employable and in my case, a more fulfilled person too. It’s the best of both worlds!

Tom, Human Geography student at Newcastle University.

For more information on volunteering as a student, visit our student volunteering page. 

Are you interested in completing your placement with us? Read our Placement Pack, or contact volunteer@actiontutoring.org.uk to be put in touch with our University Partnerships Coordinator. 

Are you ready to hone your employability skills by volunteering for one hour per week? 

Here’s how to celebrate Volunteer’s Week!

Volunteers’ Week is an annual celebration of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering and takes place 1st-7th June every year.

This year, Action Tutoring wants to thank our wonderful volunteers for their dedication and commitment to our pupils this year and beyond. Thanks to them, the young people we support feel better equipped going into their SATs and GCSEs after a tough couple of years. 

We also want to extend a special thank you to our advocates for their extra commitment to spreading the word about our charity. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal, and we’re so grateful to anyone who shares their volunteer tutoring experiences with friends and family.

Ways you can get involved in Volunteers’ Week 2022

• Are you attending a Big Jubilee Lunch over the bank holiday weekend? Share your volunteering experience with people in your community and inspire others to do the same. 
• On 6th June, Volunteers’ Week is coordinating with the #iwill movement for Power of Youth Day. #iwill is a UK-wide movement helping more young people make a difference in their communities through social action. Share your stories to be part of the conversation, or simply read for inspiration.

Elsie volunteered with Action Tutoring for one term as part of a university placement module. Curious to know more about her experience? Read about it here.

• Share a post on social media thanking the volunteers of a charity you’re passionate about. Tag the charity so they can re-share as part of their week, too.
• Find out what’s happening around Volunteers’ Week at your university, place of work or in the general community and see how you can get involved.
• Contact your local volunteer centre and find the right opportunity for you! 

Interested in volunteering as a tutor for one hour per week? Read more on our FAQs or apply now.

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