Experiences

Sofie: Gaining belonging and joy through tutoring on International Women’s Day

From feeling like an outsider, to gaining belonging and joy through tutoring, as part of International Women’s Day, Action Tutoring volunteer Sofie describes her eventful education experience.

Sofie remembers the moment which “completely crushed” her. Pulled aside after one of her A Level lessons, she received devastating feedback.

“My teacher told me, ‘I’m just not sure you can keep up with the boys’,” Sofie says. “I already had fairly low confidence. Maths was one thing I felt good at, where I could relax, enjoying school, even when everything else was difficult. At the time, the comment made me question something which felt part of my identity.

“Given I was thinking seriously about my university options and had long planned to study a maths degree, hearing my teacher suggesting I select an easier subject really knocked me. Instead, I researched courses with lower entry requirements, assuming my dreams were no longer possible.”

Support from Sofie’s parents and a “fantastic, really passionate, female maths teacher” helped put those comments in context, she says.

Working today as a digital product designer at NatWest Group, Sofie reflects on how far she has come from that uncertainty.

Tutoring lifeline

Earlier in her school years, classroom chaos had already affected Sofie’s confidence. She says: “Chairs were thrown around the room. During that time, I shut down, losing love for maths and learning.”

Positivity increased when, at 14-years-old, Sofie’s parents found her a tutor; kickstarting her tutoring journey. Sofie says: “My tutor helped me fall in love with maths again. Back then both my parents and my tutor understood tutoring wasn’t about improving grades for me – it was to help me slowly rebuild my confidence and relationship with maths. Tutoring provided the right support at the right time.”

Exploring maths ideas not on the syllabus, and working with numbers, patterns and problem solving without pressure or judgement, Sofie says this tutoring experience was vital. Aged 17, Sofie returned to tutoring during her A Levels, where she says one-to-one support helped her remain calm and manage increased pressure.

“It’s unbelievable how one hour of tutoring per week helped,” Sofie says. “Exam pressure really overwhelmed me. Thankfully, my tutor helped make learning fun again. Tutoring enabled me to ask questions and build understanding at my own pace.”

With her teacher, tutor and parents’ encouragement, Sofie applied to study maths at the University of Sheffield. She adds: “I got accepted and it was one of my best ever decisions.”

Empowering girls through Action Tutoring volunteering

So where is Sofie on her tutoring journey today? Her personal experience has supported her own progression, and empowered her to give back. Joining Action Tutoring in October 2024, Sofie has tutored on several Year 6, Year 10 and Year 11 maths programmes. A charity supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds with their English and maths education, Action Tutoring’s cause resonated with Sofie.

Sofie says: “When I discovered Action Tutoring, I knew I’d found a purpose. I could support young people who really needed tutoring help but weren’t as lucky as I was. Not every child has parents who can secure tutoring so it felt right to help.”

So how has Sofie found her tutoring sessions? She says one particularly memorable experience tutoring two Year 11 female pupils last year remains strong. “They were initially both very hesitant to speak up or attempt questions,” Sofie says. “Unless they felt they had the right answer, they’d stay quiet or giggle to avoid embarrassment.”

Encouraging the pupils to discuss their thinking, Sofie says this inspired change.

“By responding positively to one of the girls answering a question, I saw her confidence grow immediately,” she adds. “This meant they both gradually started answering questions more freely without anxiety, explaining their thinking, and asking questions without worrying about being wrong. 

“Seeing this incredible real life impact has stayed with me. It inspired me to continue tutoring. It reinforced tutoring goes beyond improving results, it’s helping pupils, particularly girls, feel confident and capable in the world, and that they belong in any room.”

Meaningful maths

This experience underpins the foundation Sofie believes she received in maths and in tutoring itself. As a woman working within the science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector, the tutoring environment Sofie experienced as a teenager then simultaneously played a “pivotal part” in being accepted onto the NatWest Technology Solutions internship and graduate programme.

Sofie says: “Instead of focusing on what I should already know, my school tutor emphasised curiosity and understanding why things worked. By stepping outside the syllabus and making maths enjoyable, my confidence naturally returned. This mindset has really helped me in employment, where I adopt different approaches and apply transferable problem-solving skills useful far beyond the classroom.”

Being grateful for this rich experience, how does Sofie feel this has influenced her tutoring?

“I consistently focus on creating a calm, supportive environment where pupils feel safe asking questions,” she adds. “I also reward pupils for showing their thinking, reminding them mistakes are part of learning.

“I’m mindful someone can be capable while still doubting themselves, so when I tutor, I work on confidence, encouraging pupils’ curiosity, as much as maths itself. Enabling pupils to see they belong in maths and can succeed feels vital, because I personally know how powerful that belief is.”

Skills through signing up

It’s not only giving back to pupils through tutoring for Sofie. It’s also how much volunteering has helped develop Sofie’s own skillset. “Tutoring has sharpened my awareness of how confidence shows up, or not, in groups,” Sofie adds. “I’ve applied this knowledge when mentoring junior designers and graduates at work. Drawing on my tutoring experience, I’ve tried to create safe one-to-one or small group spaces where colleagues can share ideas in a less pressured way, while celebrating their work and reinforcing their contributions so they feel confident and valued.”

And how much does Sofie recommend tutoring to those considering signing up?

Volunteer now

By signing up, volunteers can tutor either online or in person for just an hour a week (no previous tutoring or teaching experience is required).

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From solicitor to subject leader: Patrick’s pathway to teaching

As part of our ‘Pathway to teaching’ campaign, we are spotlighting an interview with one of Action Tutoring’s first ever volunteer tutors, Patrick Bidder, who tells us about his time tutoring on a programme and how the experience helped prompt a career change to becoming a teacher.

It’s a very rewarding experience, and you never know…..you might wake up tomorrow a teacher!

Patrick Bidder

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Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do currently.

For the last three years, I have acted as Subject Leader for English at Tonbridge Grammar School in Kent. It is a terrific school, where very high achieving pupils are nurtured and encouraged to be curious and independent in their learning. I have loved the experience. I moved with my young family to Tonbridge from London for the job and to make the most of the beautiful countryside in the Weald. Teaching the International Baccalaureate English course has introduced me to new international literature and I’ve enjoyed exploring an amazing variety of texts with the pupils.

Why did you first get involved with Action Tutoring?  What were you doing at the time?  How did you hear about it?

Before my teaching career, I worked as Wealth Planning Solicitor in central London and it was during this period that I first got involved with Action Tutoring. Susannah (founder of Action Tutoring) is an old and close friend of mine, who knew I had always had a bit of a yearning to teach. When she suggested I take part, to get some experience of what teaching is like, I jumped at the opportunity and since then I haven’t looked back. Thanks Susannah!

How did you find the tutoring? What subject were you tutoring?  Where were you located?

For a few weekends, I tutored English GCSE pupils at Harris Academy Peckham. It was a very good experience, because it gave me a very realistic view of how difficult teaching is. I perhaps had a slightly naïve view of teaching, standing in front of a class, waltzing around with an open copy of Pride and Prejudice in my hand. The tutoring experience made me realise for the first time that this career is more about learning than teaching. It is not a performance – more about the nitty gritty of figuring out how children learn and progress. But don’t get me wrong, I still get to delight in literature every week!

What impact did you see the tutoring have on the pupils you were supporting?  How long did you support for?

It feels like a long time ago now! I am ashamed to say that I think I only spent a couple of terms supporting on a weekly basis. But in my defence, I think I may have been so inspired by the experience that I immediately applied for the Teach First Leadership Development programme. It then became a full time job! Teachers will often say that the highlight is the ‘light-bulb moment’ when pupils understand something for the first time. I actually quite like the bit before that. When you’re working with a pupil who is quietly and determinedly working towards that moment. Pupils are not always like that. Teaching is not always like that. But when it is, it’s a privilege to witness.

What was the best thing about volunteering with Action Tutoring?

The best thing was working with the pupils. Trying to find different ways to explain something and working towards a new understanding together. There was also a really clear goal to it – although English, and certainly life is not all about exams, when you were in the room with the pupils, there was a really positive atmosphere. They were driven and there to work hard to get the result they wanted!

What impact did the volunteering have on you? What did you learn?  What have you done since then?

It confirmed my decision to change career and become a teacher! I spent two years on Teach First at an excellent school in Peckham called St Thomas the Apostle College. I was a Head of Year 7 and 8 and enjoyed all the challenges and highlights of being a pastoral leader, before moving down to Kent where I’ve loved leading more on Curriculum and Teaching and Learning within the English department.

Have you followed the work of Action Tutoring since?  What do you think has helped the charity reach this milestone?  What has contributed to its success?

Yes, I know that the organisation has gone from strength to strength, expanding to new areas and reaching many more pupils. I also know that it played a big role in the setting up of catch up provision following the lockdown – so important for pupils across the country. I think the clarity of your charity’s vision has been vital and the focus of ensuring that the tutoring is rigorously planned and resourced. Maintaining the quality of the pupils’ experience means that I am sure you will go from strength to strength.

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering now?

Do it! It’s a very rewarding experience, and you never know…..you might wake up tomorrow a teacher!

What do you think the importance is of volunteering at this time?

No matter how hard teachers or pupils have worked, no matter how much we have used technology intelligently to connect from home to home, we cannot recreate the experience of being in a classroom. Inevitably, it is now crucial to support pupils with any learning they need clarified so that they can access the results and futures they deserve!

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Take your first step

The path to teaching requires confidence, experience, and the right support. At Action Tutoring, we’re committed to providing our volunteers with the framework to understand the curriculum, form bonds with students and ultimately deliver effective learning.

All you need to get started is a genuine interest in your subject and a desire to help young people.

Read more:

Tutoring journeys: From volunteer to teacher

For many, the idea of teaching is a distant aspiration – a rewarding career path, but one that can be blocked by a lack of classroom experience or the demands of a busy professional life. But what if the confidence and experience needed to make that leap were available with a flexible, one-hour-a-week commitment?

At Action Tutoring, we see incredible people using their time as volunteers to gain genuine classroom experience, test their calling, and ultimately step into teacher training with a head start. Here, three of our former volunteers share how their tutoring journeys became the key stepping stone in their pathway to teaching.

Rich: The confidence to change course completely

Volunteering provided him with the opportunity to spend time in a school environment, seeing the direct impact of his work. Rich found that this experience was the “keystone” that gave him the absolute certainty he needed. Now deep into his on-the-job teacher training, he’s thankful he jumped:

‘I am so thankful Action Tutoring was there for me as a gateway into that self-discovery I needed to get to this place of fulfilment and feeling like I’ve found the thing I’m meant to do.‘

The impact wasn’t just on his confidence; it was on his pupils, too. He recalls one memorable moment: 

‘One of my three pupils in the programme last year improved her attainment by something like 10-15% in benchmarking assessments over the four months we had together. That was her hard work and effort – and she deserved every extra mark of it. But I, and the Action Tutoring programme, gave her a leg up that helped her on her way to that amazing achievement. Knowing that makes me super proud. ‘

Khusbu: Developing skills that cannot be gained elsewhere

Khusbu believes the experience provided essential, real-world skills that a university experience alone could not offer. By being exposed to young people of different ages within a school environment, she learned to adapt to varied school systems, communicate clearly and effectively, and master time management – all core skills for a successful teacher.

‘Being exposed to students of different ages, that too within a school environment, gives you experiences that cannot be gained elsewhere.‘

For those worried about lack of experience, Khusbu offers reassurance that Action Tutoring’s resources provide a solid foundation. 

‘There is a very clear structure and outline of what needs to be done. The Action Tutoring book is very easy to follow and makes tutoring really easy. You don’t necessarily need to have experience to volunteer – Action tutoring provides plenty of guidance and the best part is that it allows you to learn a lot and develop skills that you can use in many other fields that have nothing to do with teaching.’

Her advice to new volunteers? A bit of prep time (we recommend up to half an hour) and relationship-building!

‘Take the time to familiarise yourself with the resources and get to know the students – what they like to study, their weaknesses and even their favourite footballer (watch out for Messi vs Ronaldo arguments!).’

Tim: Managed commitment, maximum return

For Tim, the reward was personal. ‘It might not sound much, but after three months working with my group, having them thanking me for my help and taking a genuine interest in my next steps made it all feel worthwhile.’

His experience has already paid dividends in his current role: ‘Using the skills developed whilst tutoring has helped me both build relationships with students as well as understanding their learning needs, which should pay dividends when I start teaching their classes.’

Take your first step

The path to teaching requires confidence, experience, and the right support. At Action Tutoring, we’re committed to providing our volunteers with the framework to understand the curriculum, form bonds with students and ultimately deliver effective learning.

All you need to get started is a genuine interest in your subject and a desire to help young people.

Ready to discover your own journey? 

Read more:

Highlights from our dedicated summer fundraisers

Fundraisers nationwide tackled incredible challenges this summer. From endurance bike rides to mountain treks, discover the epic efforts they went to, to support pupils and help us end educational inequality.

Trekking for equity: QBE’s National Three Peaks Challenge

Action Tutoring is the proud UK community partner of the QBE Foundation. We’re delighted that through this partnership, QBE Insurance’s incredible colleagues have united to support our cause.

Congratulations to the second team of QBE colleagues who conquered the National Three Peaks Challenge in August. The challenge entails climbing the three highest peaks in England, Scotland and Wales. This includes an impressive 23 mile walking distance and a whopping 3,064 metres (10,052ft) climb. Find out more on the Three Peaks Challenge website.

“Back from one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done. We were blessed with great weather for two to three peaks, amazing teammates and drama-free journeys in between, and finished in an incredible 22 hours 13 minutes.” –
Hannah Haddrill, Business Manager at QBE and Three Peaks fundraiser.

From scaling Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis, an astounding £7,796.95 was raised, including generous match-funding from the QBE Foundation.

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Cycling for 24 hours: Nich’s South Downs Way Double Challenge

A huge congratulations to our Director of Finance and Operations, Nich, who tackled the epic South Down’s Way Double, raising over £1,500.

Watch Nich’s video below for an insight into his preparation for the challenge.

Nich completed the 200 mile challenge back in Winchester in an incredible 24.5 hours.

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Reaching new heights at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

A courageous team of six faced a daring challenge – walking 47 metres above the Tottenham Hotspur pitch. Completing this challenge at the Premier League football club’s North London home, heights included moving over a daunting glass walkway! One of the team, Adam, also fearlessly took on a free-fall abseil from the stadium.

Raising over £1,600, the team had a great time and said it was “only a little nerve-wracking!”

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10k and 21k distances completed for our pupils

This summer has seen many amazing fundraisers take on 10k and half marathon distances to support our vital work. This includes The Saucony London 10k, Great North Run, The Big Half and Cheltenham Half Marathon.

“The race had an incredible festival atmosphere with live music en route and huge crowds cheering us on! Running it for a great cause made it all the more enjoyable and rewarding.” – Mollie, Action Tutoring Corporate Partnerships Manager and Great North Run fundraiser.

“It was an amazing experience and knowing that I was running for such a meaningful cause made it even more enjoyable and rewarding!” – Kalina, QBE Data Engineer and Big Half fundraiser.

And a huge good luck to our QBE team taking on the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October!

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Want to get involved? Our events for 2026

We’re really pleased to soon be announcing yet another upcoming exciting spring and summer 2026 event calendar. If you’d like to hear about fundraising with us, you can subscribe to our newsletter below!

Meet Imogen: Find out why she loves tutoring

Meet Imogen – a university student studying English Literature. We spoke to her to find out why she’s loved her tutoring placement and what rank as her highlights.

Imogen’s aspirations

I’ve long aspired to work with children. I really enjoy the idea of helping children grow and succeed both academically and socially. 

Imogen’s reason for choosing Action Tutoring

Given I plan on teaching after completing my degree, I wanted to find an organisation to help me better understand education. After researching options for my university placement, I chose Action Tutoring. 

Their ambition of supporting every child, regardless of their background, inspired me. It’s something I believe is extremely powerful and important. The idea of joining a community where everyone’s working to close the attainment gap was invigorating. 

Additionally, the charity’s flexibility in offering online and in-person tutoring sessions is great for both my degree and supporting pupils on a much wider scale. 

Imogen’s highlights

I recall one pupil in their first tutoring session presenting as slightly reserved. The pupil didn’t like reading aloud. I feel they preferred me to mostly speak and ask questions, while they listened and mainly answered yes or no. 

Post-session, I spent some time considering ways to encourage the pupil to get more involved and enjoy the session. In our second session, we spent 10 minutes playing getting to know each other games. This helped the pupil feel much more comfortable. By the third session, without prompting, they asked if they could read the main text for the day’s session. 

I was amazed at the pupil’s increased confidence, their engagement and enjoyment. It solidified to me why I became a volunteer tutor for Action Tutoring. 

Imogen’s confidence increase through Action Tutoring’s support

As this was my first time tutoring, I was slightly apprehensive and nervous on what to expect. Thankfully, Action Tutoring’s extensive resources massively helped. Workbooks, introductory games, fun activities and online resources outside of initial training, all offered me a greater understanding of my role. It really built my confidence before my first session. 

I was also apprehensive about tutoring online. I’d no prior experience using Action Tutoring’s Vedamo system. Thanks to the charity’s Vedamo tutorial, I more easily uploaded online resources and understood the system much better. This made online tutoring seem much less daunting. I spent less time worrying, instead planning – and looking forward to – tutoring. 

What Imogen has learnt

Being a volunteer tutor with Action Tutoring has enhanced certain skills I can apply to daily life, like planning. Pre-session planning has encouraged me to precisely plan and structure things like university essay writing. 

Why Imogen believes you should volunteer with Action Tutoring

Action Tutoring has set a foundation for my future career aspirations which could otherwise have been difficult to achieve. I’ve managed to explore what it’s like to teach and educate children, and educate myself on what becoming a teacher requires.

It’s also priceless seeing a pupil’s smile when they achieve something they felt they couldn’t do. So with this all in mind, I’d recommend signing up today. 

How volunteer tutoring has changed my life: Ellie shares her story

Meet volunteer tutor Ellie. She’s a Newcastle University graduate who’s completed 24 online volunteer maths tutoring sessions for Action Tutoring. We chat to her to find out why she loves completing her volunteer tutor journey with us, including helping pupils facing disadvantage who we support.

A beacon of hope

In modern life, I find it easy to get caught up in my own stress. However, I feel there is an
opportunity which exists that will enrich your learning journey and make a tangible difference to others.

Action Tutoring is no ordinary volunteer organisation; it’s a beacon of hope. I urge any fellow student to sign up to tutor. Dedicated to narrowing education’s attainment gap, Action Tutoring has welcomed me into its passionate community.

Uplift and empower by tutoring

Action Tutoring is united by a common goal; to empower pupils through learning. Pairing volunteer tutors with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, I was delighted to offer extra academic support.

So after a brief training session and call to meet my fellow tutoring team, I was ready to
begin. During each session, I watched pupils’ confidence blossom with each solved equation or mastered concept. I realised education’s ability to uplift and empower.

What I’ve learnt through volunteer tutoring

What has struck me most about my volunteer tutor experience was the profound mutual
impact it had; not only on the pupils, on me too.

By tutoring, I found myself refining my communication skills, patience and empathy. I also developed my appreciation for the diverse backgrounds which shape our education
journeys.

Tutoring: A transformative effect

The beauty of being a volunteer tutor with Action Tutoring is your impact and fostering pupils’ personal growth.

Volunteering has provided me with great fulfilment beyond a classroom or lecture hall. In what often feels a self-interested world, it’s rewarding dedicating your time to boost others.

Beyond academic improvement, I saw first-hand the transformative effect of mentorship and encouragement on young minds and lives.

Rewriting the narrative by being a volunteer tutor

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of change, whether big or small. Each tutoring session reaffirmed my belief in education’s power to break barriers and unlock endless possibilities.

So I’d really suggest signing up to volunteer with Action Tutoring today. By being a
volunteer, together we have the power to rewrite education’s narrative, one tutoring session at a time, and create a brighter tomorrow.

To sign up to become an Action Tutoring volunteer tutor, apply below.

How tutoring has changed my life: University placement student Oscar shares his tutor journey

Meet Oscar. The Nottingham Trent University psychology student has tutored
more than 30 sessions with Action Tutoring. He shared his tutor journey with us and why he’s drawn to the joy of tutoring, including for both primary and secondary school pupils. He also explains how he helps pupils to reach that moment where they cheer ‘I
get it’.

I discovered Action Tutoring during my second year through my university
placements. Sessions were being advertised and I had the chance to complete a
60 hour placement, alongside my university work.

People power

I’ve always been greatly interested in working with people including customers
and colleagues. I only started university aged 22 which helped me reflect on my
preferred career path and where to study. This led me to study psychology with
counselling. I’ve not looked back and I aspire to become a counsellor or
psychotherapist. This is why signing up to Action Tutoring has given me real-life
examples of making a difference to people.

Why I’ve no regrets in tutoring

I have no regrets of signing up as a volunteer tutor for Action Tutoring. I quickly
became invested in their mission, understanding how they reach and support
pupils facing disadvantage. I’d previously supported Year 11 pupils before their
GCSEs at a school, so I was really keen to volunteer.

Tutoring: No greater feeling

In my short time as a volunteer tutor, I’ve enjoyed many great sessions and
moments. It’s amazing when a pupil solves a maths problem, or when they
haven’t had the best day and they leave a session with a huge smile.

I’ve definitely experienced a pupil achieving a ‘lightbulb moment’. This includes
when I described something which helped them understand a certain concept. I
was also so happy when I covered a session with three pupils who all wanted me
to tutor them again. Another great feeling is when a session finishes and each
pupil shows improvement and their understanding scores as 10 out of 10.

Tutoring definitely has been incredible and so rewarding.

What I’ve learnt through volunteering

I’ve learnt an enormous amount. Being able to work at my own pace has been
really helpful. This has enabled me to offer new reflections on pupils’ learning, as
well as my own. Another aspect is noting there an infinite number of different teaching approaches.

Additionally, I’ve gained huge experience from needing to adapt
every single session to best engage individual pupils.

Overcoming anxiety and challenges

Initially, I had some anxiety around engaging students and offering strong online
sessions. These worries quickly disappeared from the very first session.

What helped me immensely to overcome challenges while volunteering was
Action Tutoring’s online platform. Also, having the charity’s programme
coordinator available for direct contact throughout the session was very
comforting.

It’s been great to engage with coordinators in session debriefs too. I’ve found this
very useful for reflection and connection. Being able to openly discuss strengths
and improvements within a session has been invaluable to my development.

Life-changing tutoring

I’m very proud to have been part of the Action Tutoring volunteer tutor team.
Volunteering really has changed my life. I’ve been able to utilise many skills to
help secure job interviews and job offers. Volunteering has also helped me
enhance my communication, organisation and adaptability.

What I’ve also really enjoyed is meeting many different programme coordinators
during cover sessions. Most importantly, working with the pupils Action Tutoring
reaches is massively rewarding. It really makes me feel as though I’m making a
difference to these young people’s lives.

Get involved

I’d encourage anyone considering volunteering to get involved. The training and
wealth of resources really helps. I’ve certainly learnt an enormous amount
through using the Bright Ideas online training. The Vedamo programme is also
super easy and it can make for life-changing tutor-pupil sessions. In addition, the
workbooks, including game templates, are easily laid out, with relevant examples
and walkthroughs.

It’s also great to be able to tutor online. Reaching pupils across England’s schools
through tutoring is amazing. I could comfortably work from home while ensuring
I can provide high quality sessions between university and work commitments.

Becoming a volunteer tutor is so much more impactful than I expected. Thank you for having me!

To sign up to become an Action Tutoring volunteer tutor, apply below.

How being a volunteer tutor is more than I could have imagined

Meet Aneeqa. The third year University of Nottingham English student has tutored at Heathfield Primary and Nursery School and Redhill Academy. She told us about her positive experience as an Action Tutoring volunteer English tutor and why people should sign up.

I first heard of Action Tutoring when visiting their stall at my university’s freshers fair. I knew for my final university year, Action Tutoring would be the best place to consolidate my learning. They certainly appealed as, since being a toddler, I’ve always had a teaching passion. 

What teaching means to me

From teaching my stuffed toys and creating imaginary words, my love for tutoring grew from childhood. For me, tutoring means growth, including for the pupils I tutor. My aim is to provide a safe environment where pupils excel in their subject. Giving pupils patience and compassion creates that safe environment.

More than I ever could have imagined

Little did I know, Action Tutoring would teach me more than I could ever have imagined. After an interview and initial training, I secured a volunteer English tutor place; tutoring both online and in person. Since joining Action Tutoring, which supports pupils facing disadvantage with their English and maths education, I’ve learnt so much. The team has provided me with care, many skills and a new teaching outlook. 

Growing together

“By tutoring through topic-focused games, I feel pupils started to recognise I had their best interests at heart.” – Aneeqa

I distinctly remember my first virtual tutoring session in October 2023. Starting at 3:30pm, after a full day’s schooling, the pupils joined, I feel, tired and slightly unfocused. Perhaps they weren’t looking forward to completing another lesson when their friends had already gone home. 

With this in mind, I spoke to Action Tutoring’s Nottingham Programme Coordinator, Niamh Wilson. We produced a plan to help the pupils get back on track. This included creating topic-focused games around what we were learning that day to immerse them within the lesson. From playing hangman with a key word they would learn that day, to longer games pupils co-created, this really helped. 

Working with pupils like this drastically improved their concentration, and the rapport between us. By tutoring this way, I feel pupils started to recognise I had their best interests at heart. I also truly believe it made us work well as a team. 

Challenging social stereotypes through volunteering

“Through volunteer tutoring, Action Tutoring has most importantly given me the greatest gift.” – Aneeqa

I’ve often felt society can be quick to judge and dismiss anyone facing disadvantage. I feel they’re deemed lesser than others and aren’t given the same opportunities to succeed. 

As a volunteer tutor with Action Tutoring, this has enabled me to play a small part in removing educational barriers. It’s been fantastic to see what a pupil facing socio-economic disadvantage can achieve. Through volunteering, I have wanted to show pupils they are capable of achieving everything they want in education. A pupil’s background does not define them. 

By signing up to volunteer with Action Tutoring it has also helped me on my path to becoming a teacher. I’m delighted to have been accepted to start on a teacher training programme with Ark Teacher Training in September 2024. Thanks to the Action Tutoring team and what I’ve learnt from the sessions, this feels a great next step. While I have myself to thank, Action Tutoring has also most importantly given me the greatest gift. By tutoring, I have experienced the joy of a pupil saying, ‘I get it’. 

What I’ve learnt

“By volunteering with Action Tutoring, I’ve also learnt you need to be flexible. You need to adapt to how every pupil’s feeling about learning on that day.” – Aneeqa

I reflect on my first tutoring session and laugh at my assumptions on what tutoring would be like. I believed pupils would be attentive and yes, in some ways, they are. Though I’ve learnt as a tutor you have to remember factors beyond your control. 

There’s one vital thing I’ve learnt. To be the best tutor you can for your pupils, you need to understand their feelings. You can’t force them to act or behave a certain way. Action Tutoring has shown for pupils to learn, you need to talk with them, not to them. I’ve also learnt to remember these sessions are there to help pupils, meaning your lesson could go off plan. 

By volunteering with Action Tutoring, I’ve also learnt you need to be flexible. You need to adapt to how every pupil’s feeling about learning on that day. Each pupil learns at their own pace. This means supporting all learning levels so you always include everyone. This is a juggling task I still have to master; being adaptable isn’t easy, for anyone! 

To sign up to become an Action Tutoring volunteer tutor, apply below.

‘Thank you’ for another amazing year

Thank you – it’s been another amazing year of growth at Action Tutoring.

We’re delighted to have worked with more than 6,000 pupils this year across our programmes, delivering 61,685 pupil sessions. We’re particularly pleased to have expanded our reach to work with schools in areas including Cumbria, Devon and Hartlepool.
In addition:

• We have delivered more than 7,000 tutoring courses, with nearly 1,000 pupils having tutoring in both English and maths
• 36,000 learning hours were accessed by our maths pupils
• 25,450 learning hours were recorded by our English pupils.

It is fantastic to see this volume of tutoring taking place this year. A huge well done to all involved! 

It’s not just our pupils who have enjoyed the last academic year within our community. Read on to find some of the many highlights we’ve all been part of.

Just some of these highlights include:

• 12 years of tutoring success, highlighted by our birthday event at Drapers’ Hall
• Great results including how our tutoring sessions have helped close the achievement gap, as detailed in January’s impact report
• Recognising the contribution of our various vital volunteer tutor award winners. Meet some of them here.
• Celebrating our volunteer tutors’ and charity representatives’ achievements as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Awards.

But once again, our hearts have truly been melted by the thanks and praise from our pupils. So, how best to reflect on another positive year at Action Tutoring? By taking a look at just some of the lovely tributes paid to their tutors, below, of course.

Looking forward to the year ahead

It’s always so lovely to receive such amazing feedback from our pupils through wonderful thank you notes like those above. We really appreciate how our volunteer community supports our pupils throughout the academic year. Your endless efforts to help the lives of children facing disadvantage are incredible. You are a great part of young people being able to experience the joy of learning.

We are certainly very excited to see what 2024-25 will bring for us. In light of a new Labour education team, we are looking forward to seeing opportunities this may present for tutoring. We’re also looking forward to welcoming more of you to (hopefully) become volunteer tutors with us.

So, are you ready to share in the experience of a pupil saying, ‘I get it’ and volunteer? If so, find out more by clicking the link below.

How a former pupil and teacher reunited through volunteer tutoring

An unexpected reunion between a former pupil and a revered teacher made possible by a shared passion for education.

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In the vibrant city of Bristol, Gemma Ray, a finance compliance officer and volunteer with Action Tutoring, arrived at the bar to join other volunteers for a socials quiz. After a busy academic term of supporting young people in local schools to improve their knowledge and confidence, our volunteers converged at the riverside hangout, in high spirits to connect, share experiences, and face off in teams for the games.

Just before the line-up of activities began, Gemma was greeted by a familiar yet unexpected face, jogging her memory from about 12 years ago. It was Andrew Fagan, her further mathematics teacher from North Bristol Post 16 centre, Cotham and Redland.

“I didn’t recognise him at first when he said hello, as it had been a very long time, but he still looked just as he did back then. I was surprised he recognised me after all this time and with so many students.”

Crossing paths with Andrew at the socials stirred sentiments of nostalgia and appreciation. Gemma recalled a crucial algorithmic error in grading that was rectified through Andrew’s guidance, which ensured her rightful admission to Bristol University.

“It was actually between Mr. Fagan and another teacher, Mr Williams, that I learned about the algorithm which calculated the A level grades for maths and further maths when you did both of these together at the time. It is only because of this knowledge that I was able to set the record straight and secure my place at the university in 2011.”

A deep love for maths

For Gemma, mathematics has always been more than calculations; it has been a lifelong passion – one she pursued ardently despite societal perceptions.

“I always loved maths from a young age, choosing to do it in my free time at home and in my ‘golden time’ at primary school. This was not seen as ‘cool’ so I have some experience of bullying and can relate to that. I did my maths GCSE one year early as recommended by my secondary school and I always wanted to do maths at university as there was no other logical option for me at the time. I graduated with first-class honours in 2014.”

However, Gemma admitted some level of struggle in maths during her sixth-form year, empathising with how underperforming pupils feel about mathematical concepts they find difficult to grasp.

“In my second year of 6th form, there were only two of us left doing further maths with the others having dropped out after or during the first year. The other student who carried on did not always attend the lessons so it was a bit like having a personal tutor for further maths, which was very beneficial as it was quite a bit more difficult than the ordinary maths A level, and I admit that I found it quite hard at times.”

Like many of the pupils that Action Tutoring supports who are identified by their schools as being at risk of not meeting expected standards in their finals, Gemma had a fleeting experience of that moment in maths.

“One time, I had 2 mock exams on the same day so I chose to revise for one and not the other. If it had been the real test, I would have failed the further maths that day. I remember Andrew being shocked and maybe a little bit worried for me, but all was well in the real exam at the end.”

The journey of volunteering

As the world grappled with pandemic lockdowns, Gemma’s employer, DAC Beachcroft, embraced flexibility and encouraged staff to engage in community projects including volunteering as tutors with Action Tutoring. Fuelled by her passion for mathematics and a desire to support young people struggling with the subject, Gemma signed up to volunteer with Action Tutoring in November 2022 to support young people struggling with maths in Bristol schools.

“I have enjoyed the programme so far. It is nice to know that you are making a difference to individuals who may need extra support. They are so engaged and ready to learn. You find that your mindset changes, you become more patient and you start to see the problems from their point of view.”

Conquering fears

Gemma said one of her fears before starting tutoring was the phobia of making mistakes in a session with pupils. However, tutoring has since helped her to confront that anxiety and not worry about making mistakes and correcting them.

“You also learn not to worry about making any mistakes because if you do make any silly mistakes, it will only cement in their minds that mistakes are okay and that they are only a normal part of life – and that adults make mistakes too.”

The power of volunteer tutoring

Through this volunteer initiative, Gemma discovered the transformative power of tutoring and mentoring young people and the need for additional education support, especially for disadvantaged students.

“Many disadvantaged students would benefit from more one-on-one tutoring, and as we all know this is not always possible with the teacher in the classroom themselves, because they are only one person and the workforce is stretched thin with very large class sizes in some schools now.”

Gemma also emphasised the accessibility of tutoring, urging others to contribute, and highlighting the impact even minimal commitments can have on a child’s educational journey. Inspiring others to embrace tutoring, Gemma reflected on the gratification derived from witnessing pupils eagerly engaging with content in the session templates and interactive learning methods.

“You can simply tutor online from the comfort of your own home with no travel time. You spend as little as 70 minutes out of your working day. You do not need to commit very long term. Know that every session you do will count and will make a small difference in a child’s educational journey. You do not need a lot of experience to be a tutor.”

Gemma’s story is a testament to the enduring bond between teachers and students, the transformative power of education, and the rewarding spirit of giving back. As she continues her tutoring journey, she stands as a beacon, inspiring others to bridge the academic attainment gap and shape brighter futures for disadvantaged young people, one session at a time.

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