Action Tutoring News

What we have achieved: Our 2023-24 impact report

6 February 2025

Education has navigated numerous challenges in recent years, ranging from Covid’s effects, to ever tightening school budgets. Pupils who face disadvantage have been particularly affected. In spite of these hurdles, we are immensely proud of the impact we continue to have on the young people who need it the most. The release of our 2023-24 impact report – which we are now able to share with you – demonstrates how tutoring continues to empower.

Solid foundations

Committed to narrowing the attainment gap in English and maths, we have built up a robust evidence base, over 12 years in operation. Our latest impact report shows we have a foundation of evidence and a proven solution – tutoring with volunteers works.

In summary: our impact report

So, read on to discover the key headlines which highlight our consistent commitment to supporting pupils, partner schools, and volunteers, during this past academic year.

The headline figures

In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed the national benchmarks for pupils facing disadvantage.

Additionally:

  • Our programmes reached pupils located across 11 main cities and areas.
  • We also established programmes in new locations including Devon, Stockport and West Cumberland.
  • Year 6 pupils completing the tutoring programme in reading almost completed the gap nationally. These pupils are record-breakers! They achieved the best outcome Action Tutoring has ever reported for reading at key stage 2.

As well as this success:

  • Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard than other children.
  • After completing our programme, secondary age pupils were more likely to pass the GCSE in their tutored subject, compared with other pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds nationally.

The above graphic is also crucial because:

  • Teachers choose children to take part in Action Tutoring programmes who they know are at a particular risk of not meeting this benchmark in their key stage 2 SATs. This makes their achievement all the more meaningful.

Fantastic feedback

If you want to see the impact we have on teachers and the tutors who volunteer on our programmes, then read this glowing endorsement for 2023-24, below:

  • 8.4/10 – teachers’ average score for our charity’s impact on their pupils.
  • 9.4/10 – tutors’ average score for whether they would recommend volunteering with us to a colleague or friend.
  • 9.4/10 – teachers’ average score for Action Tutoring when asked if our staff were well organised.

Read our 2023-24 Impact Report

Looking ahead

Now in its 13th year, Action Tutoring is entering a new chapter following the ending of the National Tutoring Programme in summer 2024. This brings new challenges and new opportunities for the 2024-25 academic year.

We are continuing to consolidate our work and ensure a strong platform for future growth. We remain committed to our strategy which focuses on four key areas: reach, growth, impact and advocacy. It enables us to keep a laser focus on our mission, ensuring we are having a meaningful impact on the young people we support, and are continuously striving to reach more.

The top lines for our our future – within our four key areas – include:

  • Advocacy: In 2024-25 we will continue to campaign and seek to engage politicians and key decision makers, advocating for extended government investment in state school tutoring.
  • Reach: In the year ahead we plan to expand the locations we are working in, especially to reach more rural and coastal areas to support pupils who are often facing hidden disadvantages.
  • Impact: We are continuing to refine our tutoring resources, pupil assessments and volunteer development to further improve pupil outcomes.
  • Growth: We remain committed to our ambition for growth, whilst ensuring that our targets can be reached sustainably and that we can overcome the external barriers we face.

Thank you

We hope you enjoy reading through the publication and reflecting on our work together. 

Get involved: Ways you can join our mission

There are many different ways you can help us to build a brighter future through tutoring. Read on to find out how you can become involved.

Sign up to volunteer

Ready to volunteer on one of our programmes?

By volunteering for just one hour a week, either school or online, you will:

  • Transform the lives of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Give pupils hope in their education.
  • Share that lightbulb moment, when a pupil exclaims, ‘I get it’.
  • Experience the joy of tutoring.

Thank you!

Spread the word

We would love you more broadly to spread the word on all that we do with those you know. Whether it’s your friends, family, colleagues, or someone you know who works in education or at a school, it all helps.

Here are some other ways you can support us this year.

Share our blog

One of the best ways to spread the word on what we do, is by reading and sharing our blog.

Whether case studies, policy and curriculum, or, fundraising, there’s always something worthwhile.  

Recommend us to a school

Do you know of a school, or a teacher who could benefit from our work? Why not recommend us to them! They can simply email: schoolenquiries@actiontutoring.org.uk, call 0300 102 0094, or send them the link to the form below.

Share our socials

Want to get social and keep up to date on all things impact at Action Tutoring? Simply click on the icons below to follow our channels and share our social posts today.

Fuelling futures, month by month: how Payroll Giving powers Action Tutoring

31 January 2025

Every February, charities, Payroll Giving agencies, professional funding organisations, and companies come together to raise awareness of Payroll Giving.

Payroll Giving (sometimes known as Give as You Earn) is an easy and tax-efficient way of making regular donations to your favourite charities straight from your gross pay. There are many benefits to this form of giving, and at Action Tutoring, we advocate it as an efficient and effortless way to support our mission and help us tackle the attainment gap head-on. Read on to learn about Payroll Giving and how you can set it up in three simple steps!

Impactful giving

Supporting Action Tutoring through payroll giving allows us to continue our vital work across the country, supporting over 5,700 pupils to achieve their dreams. We believe that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds do not lack the drive or ambition, but the resources to help them succeed academically. A steady donation stream coming in monthly allows us to plan ahead with this vital work, and a seemingly small monthly contribution can add up to make a real difference in a child’s life.  

At a glance: Where your money goes

  • £5 a month could provide a high quality workbook to one of our pupils, each month.
  • £10 a month could provide a DBS check for a volunteer tutor, each month.

Convenience and ease

Donating to Action Tutoring by a Payroll Giving Scheme is super easy and convenient! Donations are taken straight from your gross salary (before your tax is deducted) which provides you with immediate tax relief on your donations. 

Depending on your individual tax situation, you could receive tax relief on each one of your donations. Take the example of a high tax rate such as 40% to begin: on a £20 pledge you could reclaim £8 from your tax bill, effectively reducing your net contribution to £12. With Payroll Giving, regardless of whether your tax situation is higher (45% allows £9 tax relief from £20) or lower (20% allows £4 tax relief from £20), your donation will go further at less of a cost to you.

Image of a smiling tutor and pupil in an Action Tutoring session

Set up Payroll Giving today!

You can set up payroll giving by following these three easy steps.

  1. Check your employer is signed up to a Payroll Giving Agency, like the Charities Aid Foundation.
  2. Ask your payroll team to set you up on payroll giving. It’s as simple as ticking a box on your payroll system!
  3. Choose Action Tutoring as your charity of choice and set the amount you want to give each payday. No matter how big or small, your donation will make a difference.

Please share this with others too, by resharing the blog on social media and engaging with our content about Payroll Giving this month on Action Tutoring’s social media platforms, using the hashtag #PayrollGivingMonth.

Image of a tutor and pupil at an Action Tutoring

What difference can your donation make?

“Payroll Giving is a great way to support Action Tutoring. These donations enable us to plan ahead with our vital work. It’s a really effortless way for employees to donate to us and helps us reach more pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their dreams.”

Mollie Vessey, Corporate Partnerships Manager

Fearless QBE Insurance fundraisers tackle challenge to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds

16 January 2025

Epic fundraising

Action Tutoring is proud to be the UK community partner of the QBE Foundation. We’re delighted that through this partnership, during an epic fundraising week, QBE Insurance fundraisers united to support our cause.

Two volunteer teams battled the Thames Bridges Trek and the Royal Parks Half Marathon, raising over £10,000 in total! Read on to find out more about these fundraising adventures. 


Following landmarks along the Thames Bridge Trek

A picture of the QBE Insurance fundraisers' route by the River Thames, as part of the Thames Bridge Trek for Action Tutoring. There is a group of people walking on a path with trees and a bridge behind it. Alongside them is someone rowing on the River Thames.
Image source: Ultrachallenge.com

Joining a collective 2,000 person walking group, our 26 Thames Bridges Trek QBE Insurance fundraisers followed a 10 or 25 kilometre route. Passing many iconic sights – heading east through the heart of the capital – the team finished at mighty Tower Bridge.


QBE Insurance fundraisers run the roads at the Royal Parks Half

A picture of QBE Insurance fundraisers smiling at the camera at the Royal Parks Half Marathon. One is displaying a medal, another is cheering and another one is waving while running near The Mall, in London.

16,000 keen runners gathered together to take on the flat and scenic Royal Parks Half Marathon. 

One of our 10 QBE Insurance fundraisers, Chris, who managed a personal best, loved the buzzing atmosphere at race day.

Jonathan, another QBE Insurance fundraiser, also had a memorable and rewarding experience.

Our Fundraising Manager, Kate, was there to cheer on our amazing team.


Fundraising success!

Our Thames Bridges team raised £3,408 and our Royal Parks team generated £7,084. This collectively amounts to an amazing £10,492! Thank you so much to the QBE Foundation for generously matching these donations!

This could provide high quality maths or English workbooks to 1,748 pupils, or vital noise-cancelling headphones for 327 online pupils!


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My final reflections

16 December 2024

It’s time for my final reflections! As my tenures as CEO draws to a close, I’ve attempted to synthesise some final reflections, shaped around 12 key learnings from these past 12 years. I could have added plenty more, but perhaps that’s for a book further down the line!

The journey

When the idea for Action Tutoring first bubbled back in 2010, I never imagined it might become a reality, let alone the organisation it is today.

The journey has been wonderful and filled with learning. It’s been a joy to work alongside so many talented, mission-driven and values-filled people. To them, I owe a huge thanks for all their support and commitment. They’ve helped turn my dream into a reality; a reality that hopefully will far outlive my tenure as CEO! 

So here goes… 12 reflections and learnings from the last 12 years. I hope they might be useful to you, the reader, as you think about your own journey.

My final 12 reflections on 12 years

1. A clear mission has been our north star

Speaking at our charity’s 12th anniversary event

It might sound obvious but you just can’t be all things to all people or address every need out there. A clear mission and purpose has been at the heart of Action Tutoring from the very beginning. This is essential for focusing on the area we wanted to tackle and for where we could best add value.

This doesn’t mean you can’t seize opportunities. For example, we did during the Covid pandemic and the subsequent National Tutoring Programme (NTP). But, they need to align to that north star of your mission and purpose. Essentially, we’re here for our pupils and keeping them at the heart of decision making has been critical. 

2. Values, values, values

3. It’s all about people

With members of our senior leadership team

Getting recruitment, structures and a strong culture right has been critical to growth and driving impact. If in doubt, it’s always better not to hire and to re-advertise. Structures have needed to evolve as Action Tutoring has grown. The trick has been endeavouring to anticipate this and to plan ahead, given recruitment takes time.

Once you’ve got the right people on the bus, hang on to them! It’s an absolute joy to see brilliant people progress internally. Driven by our values, mission and culture, they’ve all risen to meet new challenges as the organisation has grown.

4. Financial stability (as much as possible in a charity) is critical if you don’t want to just be putting out fires

Build reserves as soon as you can and preserve them. Do this while keeping a constant eye on the longer-term funding pipeline. 

Hiring great fundraising people isn’t easy. For us, raising up great internal talent has been a route to building our philanthropy function alongside external hires. I don’t think many CEOs can fully let go of fundraising. It’s always part of your role.

The little mantra, ‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get’, has served me quite well in this space. It’s always worth a try!

5. A strong, competent board isn’t just a nice to have: they are the bedrock of the organisation

The board has been a critical partner in managing risk and knowing when to seize opportunities too. They enable the decision-making burden to be shared on big questions. 

I believe good governance is a big key to success. For me, the chair/CEO relationship is critical. High trust, high challenge, high support. Regular rhythms with the board have helped establish strong SMT/board relationships. This includes an annual strategy day and annual summer social, alongside monthly CEO/chair meetings. 

6. Build your support and look after your own wellbeing

Speaking with attendees at our 12th anniversary event

Being a CEO can be lonely. But the CEO peer network in this sector is wonderful! Breakfasts and post-work drinks at the right moments, or a little WhatsApp exchange, have often been critical to my sanity.

I’ve found various opportunities to tap into some amazing mentors and coaches. This has met different needs both for myself and the organisation. Time spent with these people has never been wasted.

Highlights gathered from staff at
our annual in-person team day

I certainly found the wellbeing question harder once I was balancing Action Tutoring with small children. But, I know the team has appreciated it when I have, for example, modelled working a 0.9/4 day week.

It has enabled others in the team to feel you can combine a career and family (thank you Leaders Plus for all the support on that journey too!). Plus, I had the privilege of taking a month’s sabbatical in the spring. Again, I know that’s helped others to feel they can take up this offer too. 

7. Systems and processes are really important (even if you put them in the boring camp!)

8. Getting out and about isn’t time wasted

One of our programme coordinators, Sam, and I,
visiting one of our tutoring programmes

When you’re forming an organisation, it takes a long time to build awareness and publicise your name.

Balancing how much time you spend on the internal versus external isn’t always easy. But, there are various ways to maximise time, including:

  • Attending sector events.
  • Asking someone for a coffee to seek their advice.
  • Going to conferences.
  • Getting out to our work across the country in person.
  • Going on school visits.

Be ruthless about following up with people you’ve met too to make the most of all that networking!

There have been some wonderful moments of introductions or connections. I’ve often been able to look back, sometimes months later, and see the fruits of those interactions. Whether it’s on new funding, new schools, or meeting a key advocacy ally; it’s all powerful. Talking to different people also helps you stay alert to the external environment, whether this presents challenges or opportunities.

9. Branding does matter

It’s your organisation’s face to the world! It wasn’t intentional but it turned out starting with an ‘A’ has also been really helpful. I feel this is certainly true as you’re often listed first in briefings or brochures.

Spoiler alert, as the founder, one of your privileges is picking branding colours you really like! I’ve lost track of how many times people have commented that I’m often wearing the Action Tutoring colours.

Otherwise, noting when you need a refresh is worth it. I admit I was sceptical when a refresh was suggested a few years ago but the end result spoke much more powerfully to the size of organisation we were by that point. 

The Action Tutoring brand on display

10. Building evidence takes time (a really long time)…

…If it’s going to be more than a few quotes or one-off survey results and it needs investment.

It’s depressing that more funders don’t want to invest in impact roles. But, they’re keen to require – and love you to share – data. Certainly, banging the drum to them about why this matters, does pay off. Ultimately it will set you apart. Essentially, if we’re not having an impact, we might as well pack up and do something else. So it’s vital we can demonstrate that we are.

11. Should charities get involved in politics?

Sarah Waite (Get Further), Abigail Shapiro (Tutor Trust)
and myself deliver a petition on continuing
tutoring funding to 10 Downing Street

I’m increasingly convinced that while charities do great work tackling immediate societal issues, we need to champion the system change required alongside our delivery. It’s possible to do both well. Be the change you want to see now for your beneficiaries and use your experience and evidence to influence the system. MPs are more open to visiting programmes or having a short meeting than you might think.

An easy place for us to start was writing to MPs where we had a partner school in their constituency, inviting them to visit. Plus you never know where they’ll end up. In 2018 Sir Keir Starmer visited a programme. We’ve also been able to engage the now Chair of the Education Select Committee over a long period following her visit to a partner school in 2017. 

12. Learn to reflect and keep learning

In summary

Our Action Tutoring community and myself
at the 12th anniversary event

These 12 years have been the most enormous privilege. They’ve enabled me to:

  • See the organisation grow to national reach and demonstrate evidence of impact.
  • Work with the most amazing team, with relationships and friendships I’ll treasure for life.
  • Seize the opportunities, as well as challenges, learn together and rise together.

It’s not an easy time in the sector, or for schools nationally. It’s certainly not easy for so many of the pupils we exist to support and the need for our work has most certainly not gone away.

I leave with confidence that what we do absolutely works and that the organisation and team will continue to flourish, at the heart, doing what we’ve always set out to do, unlocking the potential of precious young lives.

Celebrating the difference we make: Support our Christmas Challenge today

3 December 2024

We’re thrilled to be taking part in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge. For our fifth time taking part, we aim to raise £12,000 to symbolise 12 years of our impactful programme delivery!

How it works

The Christmas Challenge is hosted by the Big Give and is the UK’s largest ‘match-funding’ campaign. Every donation made during campaign week, which takes place between Tuesday 3rd to 10th of December, is doubled by the ‘match-fund’ pot, added to by generous pledgers and our champion funders, The EQ Foundation. This means, during campaign week, one donation makes double the difference!

This festive season, can you support us to tackle educational inequality?

Opening doors to future opportunities

At Action Tutoring, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. We are working hard towards making this mission a reality by harnessing the power of volunteer tutors.

This year, we’re honouring our amazing volunteers with our #TheDifferenceWeMake theme. By giving just one hour a week, our tutors make a significant difference to the lives and futures of children and young people, helping them to overcome challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals.

Watch our video

Click and play our video below to hear inspiring stories from our tutors about their most impactful moments.

Why we need your support

The attainment gap is the widest it has been in 12 years. Exacerbated by the pandemic, disadvantaged pupils are 19 months behind their more affluent peers by the end of secondary school.

A solution to combating the attainment gap? Tutoring. We know that high-quality and focussed tuition can make a huge impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people. Nationally in 2023, just 52% of disadvantaged pupils passed maths GCSE. This increases to 65% after at least 10 sessions of our tutoring support.

By coming together, we can work towards our vision of a world in which a child’s life chances are free from any limits of their socio-economic background.

Donate to our Christmas Challenge today

Each year, thousands of brilliant volunteer tutors help us make a difference by giving their time. To truly maximise our impact, we also rely on the power of donations. Your generous donation, however big or small, will directly fund vital programmes resources:

  • High-quality maths or English workbooks: Providing pupils with engaging and effective learning materials.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones: Vital for pupils to concentrate during online sessions.
  • Enhanced DBS checks for volunteer tutors: Ensuring the proper safeguarding of all pupils and staff.

If you’re unable to make a donation, you can support our cause by spreading the word. Share this blog with friends, family, and on your social media platforms, using our hashtag #TheDifferenceWeMake.

Thank you for your support and kindness this festive season. Together, we can make a difference and inspire change.

From abseils to scootathlons: Fundraisers take on unique autumn challenges

26 November 2024

Fundraisers across the country have been rallying around Action Tutoring this autumn organising extraordinary events. They have been able to raise significant funds and spread awareness about education inequality.

Keep reading to discover the incredible challenges they’ve taken on to support our pupils!

Scooting to success at an autumn fundraiser

Kicking off autumn’s fundraising, Susannah, Action Tutoring’s Founder and CEO’s son, Josh, took on a Scootathlon challenge. Consisting of a scoot, cycle, and run, at Impetus’ annual Triathlon event, Josh came in first, winning the whole race!

Josh raised an incredible £415 (£517.50 with Gift Aid!), which could provide online training for 166 of our volunteer tutors.

Reaching new heights

A picture of Action Tutoring's autumn fundraiser - Senior Data and Evaluation Officer, Sam, posing for a picture while on the abseil platform at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Sam is in a harness, wearing a white Action Tutoring t-shirt and orange helmet while smiling at the camera.
Abseiler and Senior Data and Evaluation Officer, Sam,
poses for a photo on the abseil platform.

A staff team of six faced a daring challenge in another autumn fundraiser – abseiling off the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral!

A picture of Action Tutoring's six staff autumn fundraisers. The team are wearing white Action Tutoring t-shirts and black/grey trousers and smiling at the camera.
The team of six pose in front of the cathedral’s west door.

It’s the largest cathedral in the UK, with the 100m free-fall abseil taking place above the west door.

The team collectively raised an incredible £1,659 rising to £1,956.76 with Gift Aid! This impressive total could provide high-quality maths or English workbooks to 121 tutor and pupil groups.

“Abseiling to honour my dad’s memory while raising funds for a cause like Action Tutoring, was an experience I will never forget. Getting to share the day and take on a new challenge with other colleagues made the day even more special.”

Adriana – Senior Curriculum and Training Coordinator and abseiler

Embracing the mud

A picture of 5 Wolf Run autumn fundraiser runners standing and posing in front of the camera with a lot of mud on their clothes.
The daring team of five wolf runners smile despite the cold and mud!

Our Communications and Media Manager, Rebecca, and four friends, tackled a demanding 10K Wolf Run. The course featured freezing swims, muddy crawls, boggy scrambles, and 10ft obstacles!

The brave team raised £430, a total of £528.75 including Gift Aid. This could provide a year of face-to-face tutoring for an Action Tutoring pupil!

Communications and Media Manager and wolf runner, Rebecca.

Pedalling with a purpose

Tackling an incredible feat, cycling 55 miles from London-Brighton, our team of four completed a sunny, scenic, and strenuous ride.

For this autumn fundraiser, in total, the team raised an outstanding £1,204, rising to £1,481.87 including Gift Aid. This amount could provide enhanced DBS checks for 132 of our volunteer tutors!

Cyclist and London Programme Coordinator, Katy,
poses after the race.

“I look forward to participating in more fundraising challenges in the future!”

Katy – London Programme Coordinator and cyclist

Cyclists Merlin and Heather pose in front of the beautiful scenery.

Take on a challenge in summer

If you’re feeling inspired to take on a cycle, wolf run, abseil, or scootahlon, get in touch with Molly via molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk. She can help organise your event, and provide fundraising support throughout your journey.

Or, want to take a spot on one of our 2025 running events next summer? See a full list below, and contact us if you’re interested in joining our friendly fundraising team.

My Smoke Ring challenge for Action Tutoring

27 September 2024

A picture of Action Tutoring's Nich Bull with his bike during his Smoke Ring fundraising challenge. Nich is wearing his Action Tutoring t-shirt and standing beside his bike.
Action Tutoring’s Nich Bull

175 miles, one ripped tyre and a whole lot of learning

Blog written by Action Tutoring’s Nich Bull:

On Friday 5th July this year I took on the challenge of a lifetime – the Smoke Ring 2024; a gruelling 200 mile off-road bike ride around London raising money for Action Tutoring.

The ride is definitely a brutal test. Overall it was a super wet night, constant pedalling for nearly 20 hours, and the significant physical and mental strain that comes with pushing yourself to the limit.

While I didn’t quite make it the full 200 miles, I still managed 175 miles as a ripped tyre forced me to stop around 10 am on Saturday. Disappointment? Sure. But this ride wasn’t just about the finish line. It was a journey of self-discovery, and it taught me some invaluable lessons that I want to share with you.

Resilience and the power of learning from failure

The Smoke Ring was altogether the most challenging thing I have ever done. It certainly pushed me to my absolute physical and mental limits. But you know what? It also shows me the power of resilience and the importance of learning from failure.

A picture of a cartoon person hurdling stones from failure to success. The person is smiling, carrying a suitcase and wearing smart casual work clothes.
Picture credit: Graphics from Canva

Now, I have a year to analyse what went wrong and return stronger next time. Going forward, I will look to prepare different tools and strategies. That’s the beauty (and sometimes frustration) of pushing your boundaries – you learn what works and what doesn’t.

The importance of evidence-based action in overcoming challenges

This experience got me particularly thinking about the importance of resilience and learning from failure in a broader sense – not just for individuals, but also for organisations. Research shows that the best organisations are the ones that embrace failure as a learning opportunity. They take stock of what went wrong, analyse the data, and use that information to improve.

A core Action Tutoring value is basing our work on evidence. We especially focus on analysing our results, even when they’re not what we specifically hoped for. This allows us to constantly improve and make a bigger impact on the lives of the children we serve.

Picture credit: Graphics from Canva

Maybe we all need to get better at embracing evidence-based failure. By learning from our mistakes, we can grow stronger and achieve even greater things.

This Smoke Ring challenge may not have ended with me crossing the finish line, but the journey of learning and growing is far from over. Together, let’s keep pushing forward, embracing challenges, and positively impacting the world.

Support Action Tutoring and keep the journey going

If you feel inspired by Action Tutoring’s mission and Nich’s Smoke Ring challenge, there are a few ways you can get involved:

A picture of an Action Tutoring volunteer tutor sitting in a classroom with a pupil. The tutor is smiling and the pupil is looking to her right at the wall. They are both drawn to something to the side of them.
One of our volunteer tutors working with an Action Tutoring pupil

10 formidable fundraisers challenge themselves at the London 10k!

13 September 2024

A picture of runners taking part against a background of landmarks you would see in the London 10k. The runners are smiling and cheering and in the background is a red telephone box and Big Ben.
Picture credit: graphics by Canva

Ten fearless runners have raised over £3,000 for Action Tutoring by taking on the Saucony London 10k.

Cheered on by family and friends, fundraisers completed the flat and urban route, supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds across England.

Read on to find out about how our runners triumphantly crossed the finish line on this fantastic day of fundraising.

Fantastic day at the London 10k

On Sunday 14th July, London’s streets were not filled with the usual traffic. Instead, 13,000 keen runners completed the London 10k, surrounded by sun and blue skies.

Starting in Piccadilly, passing many iconic landmarks, and finishing near Parliament Square, the route was made  for a personal best!

“Running through the beautiful streets of London was an exhilarating experience, and it was made even more special knowing that every step taken was towards supporting Action Tutoring.” – Ashutosh, fundraiser

Booming atmosphere and iconic London 10k route

The London 10k is renowned for its carnival-like atmosphere, and this year’s event was no exception, with roaring music and applauding supporters.

“The atmosphere throughout the run was amazing, people cheering and music blaring was so much fun and helped push me on.” – Eluario, fundraiser

A picture of Action Tutoring fundraisers, Gabe and Eluario, who are smiling and ready at the start line for the London 10k.
Gabe (left) and Eluario (right) prepare to race at the London 10k start line.

Running past incredible sights like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the River Thames made for an unforgettable experience. Westminster Bridge even brought a welcome surprise!

“Reaching Westminster Bridge and having people shoot water guns to help cool us all down for the last couple of kilometres was a much-needed blessing and so much fun for everyone involved.” – Gabe, staff fundraiser

Best-friend duo

The camaraderie shared between friends can be a powerful motivator for taking on a personal challenge. Running the race as a duo, Gabe and Eluario created a lasting memory as they ran side-by-side.

“Running with one of my best mates made the experience so much better as we were able to push each other.” – Gabe, staff fundraiser

They both attributed their success to the mutual encouragement they provided throughout the race, helping them push through to the finish line.

Eluario (left) and Gabe (right) pose proudly with their medals.

Keeping the cause in mind

Driven by their commitment to our cause, our runners maintained high motivation and determination throughout their training and on race day.

“Knowing that our efforts will support educational needs for those who require extra help made it all worthwhile.” – Bernard

Bernard (left) and Conor (right)
pose proudly with their medals.

Not only did they raise vital funds, but our team pushed themselves physically and mentally to achieve their goals.

“Running for such a great cause was a huge motivator, making me push myself to complete the race and finish it in as fast a time as possible.” – Eluario, fundraiser

“This event was not just about pushing my physical limits but also about contributing to a cause close to my heart.” – Ashutosh, fundraiser

Ashutosh sprints towards the finish line.
Picture credit: Saucony London 10k/Marathon Photos Live

Victorious fundraising

All their hard work paid off! The team raised an incredible £3,049.93, rising to £3,321.80 with Gift Aid.

This could provide an incredible 610 high quality pupil workbooks, or online training for 1,071 volunteer tutors.

A huge thank you to QBE, of which Action Tutoring is the UK community partner of their foundation. We are grateful to them for matching the donations of their four runners in this race.

“A huge well done to our team of 10 who took on this personal achievement whilst fundraising for our important work. Our vision is a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background. We couldn’t achieve this without you. Thank you!” – Hannah O’Neill, Head of Philanthropy

Fundraise for us

Do you want to get involved in a fundraising challenge for us? We might just have the opportunity for you!

Contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Molly, at molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk for a full list of our events. You can also check out our Fundraising Pack for all the ways you can support us.

Some news about our CEO and founder, Susannah

5 September 2024

It is with a heavy heart that Action Tutoring announces its CEO, and founder, Susannah Hardyman, will be moving on to become the new CEO of Impetus. We would like to congratulate Susannah on this exciting new opportunity! 

A picture of Action Tutoring CEO and founder, Susannah Hardyman. Susannah is smiling at the camera during a photoshoot at an Action Tutoring team away day.
Action Tutoring CEO, and founder, Susannah Hardyman

Joining Impetus

Impetus is Action Tutoring’s longest funder, first providing support to our charity in 2014. It is an organisation that we greatly admire and that has enabled Action Tutoring, through its financial investment and unwavering commitment to impact, to grow into the charity it is today. It feels incredibly fitting that Susannah will be bringing her wealth of experience, in both delivery and policy, and inspiring leadership qualities to this organisation. We wish her the very best of luck in her new role and take comfort in knowing she won’t be far away!

Susannah will begin her work at Impetus in January, so we still have plenty of time to reflect on, and celebrate, all that she has achieved at Action Tutoring. Susannah is leaving Action Tutoring in an incredibly strong position including having robust evidence of impact, solid financial footing and an inspiring and energised team. The Board will begin the process to recruit Susannah’s successor shortly.

Thank you

For now though, we would just like to say ‘thank you’. Thank you on behalf of the thousands of pupils’ whose lives you’ve helped change. Thank you from all of the volunteers who’ve benefited from their time tutoring with us and thank you from every staff member, over the last 12 years, that you have led, inspired and enabled to be the best that they can be.

GCSE results day: As it happened

22 August 2024

It’s GCSE results day. With pupils across England receiving their grades, we’re looking forward to keeping you up to date today (Thursday 22nd August) with how pupils on our tutoring sessions have got on in this live blog. So keep refreshing the page and check back for updates! 

Celebrating pupils’ success

Results day is such an important date in the Action Tutoring calendar, and for all the pupils we support. It’s a day of celebration, recognising our pupils’ remarkable achievements, and a reminder of the work that’s still to be done. 

But for now, let’s take a moment to recognise all the hard work our pupils have put in to get to GCSE results day. And thank you to you, our community, for helping to make such a difference to every one of our pupils facing disadvantage. 

Live updates

9:08am: We’re getting the first quotes in from pupils across the regions where we provide tutoring sessions. This includes, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool.

Luke is a Year 11 pupil at the school. He says:

“Action Tutoring helped me get a 6 in my Maths GCSE so I’m really happy.
Without Action Tutoring I don’t think I would have got this result. I’m really happy. Gillian (my tutor) was really nice and I’d like to say thanks to her. I’m going onto do A Levels and go on to do business at university.”
Luke, Year 11, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool

Alfie, another Year 11 pupil at the school, says:

“Action Tutoring helped with little things I was stuck on, which I thought was really useful. It made a difference in my end result and I want to say thanks to my tutor for supporting me.”  – Alfie, Year 11, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool

9:40am: We’re now getting results in from one of our Nottingham schools, Park Vale Academy.

One of the pupils we’ve spoken to is Alistair in Year 11. His results include a seven in English language, six in maths and five in English literature.

Alistair says:

“The tutors were very helpful, they’re nice people and they want you to achieve. If you want to achieve your desired grade, take up tutoring. So thank you very much.” Alistair, Year 11, Park Vale Academy, Nottingham

Find out more about Alistair in the video below…

10:31am: We’re still getting more results through from pupils at Park Vale Academy.

Another of these pupils is Angelina in Year 11. She was tutored in maths by her tutor, Finn, who she says she’s really thankful for. Angelina, who would like to study educational psychology at university, says:

“I’m very happy with my grade 4 in maths. I’m really happy I achieved my target. I’m feeling very relieved with my results today. Tutoring helped me feel the least pressure I’ve ever felt. It’s also helped me feel unashamed of getting things wrong, which is very comforting. To those thinking of tutoring, just do it.” Angelina, Year 11, Park Vale Academy, Nottingham

10:43am: Here’s a snapshot of just some of the pupils who’ve completed Action Tutoring sessions this academic year and who’ve received their results from Park Vale Academy. Congratulations to everyone!

10:54am: Back now to Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool. We caught up with Year 11 pupil, Megan, who says:

“I enjoyed tutoring. The sessions helped and made a difference in my grade. It boosted my confidence and allowed me to ask questions about things I didn’t understand.” – Megan, Year 11, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool

11am: We’re really proud of what our pupils, tutors, partners and the wider Action Tutoring community have been able to achieve this year; all to enable our pupils to gain their results through tutoring. Take a look at some of the key statistics for those pupils who’ve sat their GCSEs this last academic year, below.

11:26am: Now to hear parents’ perspectives on GCSE results day. Parents of Year 11 Park Vale Academy pupil Holly, give their thoughts on how tutoring has helped their daughter achieve her grades this academic year. Watch the video below to find out more.

11:45am: Now to hear from pupils a little further north in the country – Sheffield.

Year 11 pupil Daniel, who attends Sheffield Park Academy, has received his desired grades today. Attending 12 Action Tutoring sessions, he’s achieved grade 4 in English Language, 5 in English Literature and 5 in maths.

Daniel, who would like to go on to study catering at college – and one day hopes to become a chef – says:

“I’m really happy with my results – it feels unreal, considering how long I’ve been studying for. This is great for my future. Tutoring helped with the English especially, as I got used to breaking down sources and I couldn’t do that before tutoring. Thank you to my tutor.” – Daniel, Year 11, Sheffield Park Academy

12:01pm: Back now to the Midlands and Nottingham, where we hear from Matty. Completing Action Tutoring sessions at Bramcote College, Matty has achieved his desired grades, including a 5 in maths and passing English Literature and Language. He says to any pupils who complete sessions with his tutor, Alan, that “whoever has Alan next, you’ll smash your exams.”

Watch the video from Matty below to find out more about how he got on.

12:15pm: We heard from Park Vale Academy pupil Holly’s parents earlier; now it’s Holly’s turn.

Year 11 pupil Holly, who achieved grade 4 in maths, says her tutoring has helped her take a path towards health and social care, which she’ll be studying at college.

Holly, who also has a keen passion for one day studying psychology and mental health, says:

“I passed everything. I’m happy. Tutoring helped my confidence, as I got to talk to different people in the group sessions who were also a similar ability. I definitely felt more comfortable thanks to tutoring. I’d say to anything thinking of doing it, definitely do it, if you have the chance. Thanks so much to my tutors and I appreciate what they’ve helped me achieve.” – Holly, Year 11, Park Vale Academy, Nottingham


12:30pm: We are taking a break for a little while, though we’ll look to return with further updates later today.

2pm: Welcome back to our blog. We’ll be sharing some more updates on GCSE results day below.

2:09pm: Heading to the south of England now, we’ve had some quotes today from one of our schools in London.

At St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School, Action Tutoring session pupil Ruby was really happy to pass and achieve a maths grade 6.

Year 11 pupil Ruby, who would one day like to become a PE teacher, says:

“I feel really good. I genuinely didn’t think I was going to pass. But tutoring has made a big difference. The sessions helped me break things down a lot more easily, whereas before tutoring, I didn’t understand the lessons. Thank you to our tutor too who was really nice. – Ruby, Year 11, St Saviours and St Olaves School, London

2:23pm: We’ve received some more pictures of our pupils at St Saviour’s and St Olave’s with their results today. Congratulations guys!

2:40pm: Heading west, we meet Year 11 pupil Charlie from Fairfield High School, Bristol.

Charlie says he didn’t expect to get his grade 5 in maths. He says thanks to his tutor Tony and the Action Tutoring sessions, this helped him achieve “more than a pass”.

Watch Charlie’s video below to find out more about him and his GCSE results.

4:02pm: Back at Park Vale Academy in Nottingham, we hear from Year 11 pupil, Riarna.

Riarna, who’d like to become an architect one day, has achieved a grade 6 in both her English Literature and English Language exams. She says she’s “really happy with my results” and after tutoring she “feels a lot better, happy and content”. She also acknowledges “the tutors are the best part of the sessions”.

Watch Riarna’s video to see why she recommends signing up to complete Action Tutoring sessions.

4:10pm: Back to Nottingham’s Bramcote College and to meet Year 11 pupil Stevie.

Stevie, who hopes to pursue a career in midwifery, achieved a grade 5 in maths today as part of GCSE results day.

Stevie says:

“I was initially in foundation and failing (maths) at the start of Year 10. I worked so hard and I got grade 5. Maths is a tricky subject, though all you need to do is work hard to achieve what you need. I’d just like to thank my tutor for the effort he put in. Whenever I said I was struggling, he helped.” – Stevie, Year 11 pupil, Bramcote College, Nottingham

5:26pm: There are no words to describe Nio’s tutoring experience better than Nio himself!

So over to the Year 11 pupil – who got a grade 6 in English Literature and a grade 5 in English Language – at Nottingham’s Park Vale Academy, to share below why you should sign up to be a volunteer tutor:

5:50pm: So that’s it from us today (Thursday 22nd August). We’re really grateful to everyone involved this academic year for their amazing efforts in helping our pupils to achieve the grades they deserve, and, feel the joy of tutoring.

*Check back on this page soon as while we are unable to make any guarantees at this stage, we may be sharing some further updates on Friday 23rd August regarding GCSE results day.*

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