Volunteer placement opportunities
Choosing Action Tutoring for your volunteer placement is a rewarding way to make a difference to the lives of young people facing disadvantage.
You will be directly supporting children to help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future – all while developing your own skills and experience.
Apply nowWhat does a volunteer placement with Action Tutoring look like?
“‘You should absolutely give it a go!’ Each programme is one session for one hour per week, and you can choose to tutor in as many or as little programmes as you like, offering great flexibility to fit around your other commitments.
With regards to experience, I also had no prior experience before starting but it is something that you can pick up very quickly and continuously improve throughout. Action Tutoring also provide you exemplary resources and training that no matter your experience, will equip you with everything you need to be a great tutor.”
Cameron, student at Newcastle University
How will I fulfil my required hours?
You can choose a programme or programmes at a time, day and location that suits you. The number of programmes you sing up to on is flexible depending on the number of hours you need to meet.
Let’s give an example… for a 50 hour volunteer placement, you might sign up to two 20-week programmes and tutor for two hours a week. The additional 10 hours can be made up through planning or additional activities outlined in the section above.
We can sign off up to 30 minutes of planning time per session. All resources and structured lesson plans are provided.
What skills can I develop on a volunteer placement?
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- Communication
- Confidence
- Initiative
- Planning and organisation
- Time-management
- Facilitation
- Emotional intelligence
- Working with children and young people
You may also have the opportunity to develop additional skills such as advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment or presentation support.
What support will I get?
- Comprehensive training (2-hour induction, technical training for online tutors, optional further skills training).
- Ongoing support from your dedicated programme coordinator and placement coordinator.
- Structured session plans and workbooks.
- Travel expense reimbursement (up to £5 per session).
- Free DBS check.
- Optional tutor socials and buddy system.
What are the requirements to apply?
- We look for volunteers who are studying for (or have) a degree in any subject.
- We also look for at least one B grade at A-Level, or equivalent qualifications, in the subject they wish to tutor, or a related subject.
- The ability to explain concepts clearly and patiently.
- A commitment to supporting pupils’ academic progress.
Know someone who might be interested?
Why do a volunteer placement with a charity
Volunteering with an education charity is an excellent way to start a career in the education or non-profit sector. Charities will almost always look for experience of volunteering on your CV.
Here’s what Joe from Newcastle University had to say about his experience in 2024-25:
“It has provided me with work experience in a field I am interested in pursuing as a career, and should help with my employability by providing me with different skills and experiences than what I am getting on the rest of my university course.“
Joe, student at Newcastle University
As well as looking good on your CV, there are countless other benefits of volunteering with a charity on your placement. You can support a cause you care about, support your local community, boost your mental wellbeing and make new contacts.
“As an international student, being a volunteer tutor for Action Tutoring is actually my first placement in the UK. I feel well-supported and those unique experiences give me more confidence and inspire me for my future career.“
Ningyu Guo, student at University of Nottingham
How to maximise your volunteer placement experience
- Keep a log of your work experiences, positive and negative, and reflect on any challenges faced. It’s great to be able to reflect on scenarios in future interviews.
- Ask questions. If there’s a specific area of the charity you’re interested in, ask if you can speak to a staff member from that team to find out more about their experience and how they got there.
- Make the most of what’s on offer. Enrich your volunteering experience by getting involved in one or more of the additional activities.
Information for universities
We currently partner with over 20 placement departments across England. If you’re a placement coordinator from England, Scotland or Wales, simply contact us to arrange a set up meeting: volunteer@actiontutoring.org.uk.
Get in touch
Whether you’re a student looking for a volunteer placement opportunity or a university with a question about partnering, we’re happy to chat. You can contact our team on volunteer@actiontutoring.org.uk and let us know which university you’re studying at.
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