Birmingham

Why volunteer as a tutor in Birmingham?

Our decision to work in Birmingham stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

Recent figures highlight the pressing need for additional support across the region:

• More than 43% of children in Birmingham are growing up in poverty – the highest rate across local authorities in the West Midlands.
• Across the wider region, challenges remain: in Coventry, around 24% of children live in poverty, while 23% of working-age adults have no formal qualifications.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Birmingham. Growing up in poverty can result in challenges that lead to lower academic attainment and, once they finish school, reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

“Action Tutoring has proven to be an invaluable resource, providing skilled and dependable tutors on a large scale—precisely the kind of support our students need to thrive. The charity’s approach is effective, and our students respond positively to the personalised attention they receive.

From the CEO to the programme managers, coordinators, and volunteer tutors, everyone at Action Tutoring is fully dedicated to supporting our students. Their commitment makes a real difference in the academic development of our pupils.”

Jobe Swingler, Assistant Headteacher, North Birmingham Academy

Action Tutoring‘s impact in Birmingham

Action Tutoring launched in Birmingham in 2014 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across the city, Coventry and Wolverhampton to provide high-quality tutoring in maths and English. Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Birmingham, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

Take part in our fundraising events in Birmingham

• Birmingham Half Marathon (3rd May) – donation amount: £30 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £300 minimum
• Birmingham 10k (3rd May) – donation amount: £20 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £200 minimum

Bristol

Why volunteer as a tutor in Bristol?

Our decision to work in Bristol stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

Recent figures highlight the pressing need for additional support across the region:

• As of January 2024, 18,350 pupils in Bristol were eligible for free school meals. Free school meal eligibility serves as a key indicator of low-income households, with access typically granted to children whose parents receive certain benefits or have an income below a specific threshold.
• Areas of significant affluence exist alongside some of the most deprived in England. Recent data indicates that over a third of children in Bristol are living in poverty, meaning that in a typical class of 30, around ten children are likely experiencing poverty.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Bristol. Growing up in poverty can result in challenges that lead to lower academic attainment and, once they finish school, reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

‘My tutor is helpful. She asks me what I want to go over, then if I’m not sure, she’ll go through it. When you get to the exam you’re like ‘oh okay, this is what we did the other day’. [The sessions] have helped me realise I know more than I thought. It was more helpful than I thought it was going to be!’

Hannah, Year 11 pupil from Bedminster down

Action Tutoring’s impact in Bristol

Action Tutoring launched in Bristol in 2014 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across the city to provide high-quality tutoring in maths and English. Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Birmingham, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

‘The flexibility and desire to accommodate and work with our staff and pupils prior to and throughout the pandemic has been first rate. Communication and clarity of intent have always been clear and acted on swiftly, ensuring staff and pupils have been brilliantly supported. The commitment and desire to develop and advance our pupils has been superb.’

Patrick Callaghan, Pupil Premium Lead, Bristol Cathedral Choir School

Dorset

Why volunteer as a tutor in Dorset?

Our decision to work in Dorset stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

Recent figures highlight the pressing need for additional support across the region:

• Children receiving Free School Meals in Dorset achieve lower than the regional and national average education standard. South Dorset is third highest in the region for people aged 25-34 in unskilled employment.
• Around 25% of children were living in poverty in 2023.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Dorset. Growing up in poverty can result in challenges that lead to lower academic attainment and, once they finish school, reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

Action Tutoring‘s impact in Dorset

Action Tutoring launched in Dorset in 2025 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across the region to provide high-quality tutoring in maths and English. Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Dorset, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

Leeds and Yorkshire

Why volunteer as a tutor in Leeds and Yorkshire?

Our decision to work in Leeds and Yorkshire stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

Recent figures highlight the pressing need for additional support across the region:

• In Leeds, almost a third of secondary school students are disadvantaged – eligible for free school meals.
• Children in the North have higher school absences, including health and mental health absences, and educational performance is poorer. 
• Around 30% of children in Leeds were living in poverty in 2023. This rose to 40% in Bradford.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Leeds and Yorkshire. Growing up in poverty can result in challenges that lead to lower academic attainment and, once they finish school, reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

Action Tutoring‘s impact in Leeds and Yorkshire

Action Tutoring launched in Leeds and Yorkshire in 2025 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across the region to provide high-quality tutoring in maths and English. Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Leeds, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

London

Our roots are in London – and so is much of our impact.

Action Tutoring began in 2011 with two pilot programmes in Hackney and Peckham, supported by the Shaftesbury Partnership. After early success, the SHINE Trust funded our expansion – and by the 2011–12 academic year, we were delivering tutoring in 15 schools across London.

Today, we continue to work in partnership with schools across the capital and nearby commuter towns to support pupils facing disadvantage. Recent figures highlight the pressing need for additional support across the region:

• After housing costs, 34% of children in London were living in poverty in 2021–22 – the highest rate of any English region (Trust for London, 2023).
• Some boroughs face even higher rates. For example, Tower Hamlets remains among the most affected, with over half of children growing up in poverty.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in London. Growing up in poverty can result in challenges that lead to lower academic attainment and, once they finish school, reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

‘I was kind of held back from Covid-19 and it’s a good opportunity for me to catch up with the other students in my class and learn about maths. I’m very confident and happy because I’m learning more about multiplication, fractions and addition.’

Djibril, Year 6 pupil, Comber Grove Primary School in Peckham

Action Tutoring’s impact in London

Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils. Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including London, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

‘Coming from a working-class background, good quality comprehensive state education and access to amazing teachers enabled me to progress and get on in life. I was one of the lucky ones, as I know many working-class kids don’t get the opportunities and luck I had. Tutoring is one of the few things I do that gives me real satisfaction, enjoyment, and self-fulfilment. It’s very rewarding to be able to give something back to your community.’

Youcef, volunteer tutor in London

Take part in our fundraising events in London

• London Landmarks (12th April) – donation amount: £45 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £425 minimum
• Hackney Half (17th May) – donation amount: £40 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £400 minimum
• Saucony London 10k (12th July) – donation amount: £25 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £250 minimum
• Royal Parks Half Marathon (11th October) – donation amount: £45 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £425 minimum

Manchester

Why volunteer as a tutor in Manchester?

Our decision to work in Manchester stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

Recent figures highlight the pressing need for additional support across the region:

• 45.7% of children educated in Manchester schools are eligible for Free School Meals: this is in contrast to the rest of England, where 23.8% of children are eligible.
• Around 44% of children were living in poverty in 2023, 3rd highest percentage in the UK.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Manchester. Growing up in poverty can result in challenges that lead to lower academic attainment and, once they finish school, reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

Action Tutoring‘s impact in Manchester

Action Tutoring launched in Manchester in 2025 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across the city to provide high-quality tutoring in maths and English. Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Manchester, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

Take part in our fundraising events in Manchester

• AJ Bell Manchester (31st May) – donation amount: £30 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £300 minimum
• Manchester 10k (31st May) – donation amount: £20 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £200 minimum

Merseyside and Cheshire

Why volunteer as a tutor in the North West

Our decision to work in Liverpool stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

Recent figures highlight the pressing need for additional support across the region. In 2023-24, 50% of children in the Liverpool Riverside constituency were living in relative poverty after housing costs, 33.1% of children in the Liverpool Walton constituency and 33.4% of children in Liverpool Wavertree constituency.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Liverpool. Growing up in poverty can result in challenges that lead to lower academic attainment and, once they finish school, reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

‘I have gained valuable transferable skills whilst volunteering with Action Tutoring. It has given me experience of a career path I hadn’t previously considered. The impact you can have on a child’s life is one of the most rewarding things any volunteering could offer!‘

Paige, volunteer tutor in Liverpool

Action Tutoring in Merseyside and Cheshire

Working with multiple schools across England has helped us recognise the needs of schools and better understand the demands and pressures that schools are under, especially after the pandemic.

In autumn 2019, we began supporting pupils in Wirral and we expanded this reach to include Chester and Southport in 2021.

Action Tutoring’s impact in the North West

Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Liverpool, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

Newcastle and County Durham

Why volunteer as a tutor in Newcastle and County Durham

In regions like Newcastle and Durham, a significant number of young people face educational disadvantages. Poverty profoundly impacts a child’s education, and in the North East, these challenges are particularly stark. By volunteering as a tutor, you can help unlock the potential of these bright young minds.

The challenge in Newcastle and County Durham

Child poverty remains a critical issue in the North East, affecting far too many families.

• In 2023/24, approximately 170,000 children (31%) in the North East were living in poverty.
• Two-thirds of constituencies in the North East have a child poverty rate equal to or higher than the UK average of 31%.
• In areas like Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, over half (52%) of all children grow up in poverty, and 43% in Newcastle Central and West.
• The number of children in working households living in poverty in the North East increased by 44% (36,500 children) between 2010 and 2023.
• In County Durham, an estimated 27.2% of children under 19 were living in relative poverty in 2023/24, a 42% increase since 2014/15.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for intervention to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

For more detailed information, you can read the North East Child Poverty Commission’s reports North East Child Poverty Commission.

Our impact in Newcastle and Durham

Action Tutoring launched in Newcastle in 2017 and expanded to County Durham in 2021, providing vital academic support to disadvantaged pupils. Our dedicated volunteers work with young people to improve their academic outcomes, confidence, and aspirations.

Here’s how volunteering as a tutor makes a difference:

• In 2023-24 primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard than other children nationally.
• Our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.

I didn’t know a lot of stuff. I now feel better. I have gone through tasks and repeated them and now feel a lot more confident. The best thing about tutoring sessions is having fun with the tutor – she is really funny.

Year 11 pupil, Kenton School in Newcastle

Action Tutoring in Newcastle and County Durham

We do more than just tutor. Our volunteers also serve as role models, motivating pupils to overcome learning barriers and achieve their potential in life. We are working hard to grow our volunteer tutor community in Newcastle and are keen to engage more volunteers locally to support our face-to-face programmes.

By tutoring in Newcastle or Durham for just one hour a week, you will directly support disadvantaged pupils to build their confidence and help ensure they leave school with the grades needed to build a bright future, as well as developing your own skills. 

Kenton School’s motto of ‘all equal and all different’ aligns itself to the fundamental vision and philosophy of Action Tutoring. All Action Tutoring staff have embraced the ethos of our vision and have worked tirelessly to positively support pupils in achieving their aspirations in the core subjects.”

Year 11 Assistant Principal for Achievement at Kenton School

Take part in our fundraising events in Newcastle

• Great North Run (13th September) – donation amount: £40 (goes towards race fee and running t-shirt), fundraising target: £425 minimum

Nottingham

Why volunteer as a tutor in Nottingham

In Nottingham and Derby, a significant number of young people face challenges in their education due to high levels of deprivation. Action Tutoring is dedicated to combating educational inequality in these areas by providing vital academic support and inspiring role models.

By volunteering as a tutor, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of disadvantaged pupils, helping them build confidence and achieve their potential.

The landscape of child poverty in Nottingham and Derby

Child poverty remains a pressing issue across both Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, creating significant barriers to educational attainment.

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire:

• In the year ending March 2024, over 56,600 children (0-15 years old) in Nottinghamshire were living in poverty, representing over a quarter (27%) of children in the county.
• In some of Nottingham’s most deprived areas, such as the Hyson Green and Arboretum ward, nearly two-thirds (64%) of children are living below the breadline.
• Across Nottingham City, around two-fifths of children and young people live in lower-income households.

Derby and Derbyshire:

• For the year ending March 2024, a total of 45,506 children (0-15 years old) in Derbyshire were living in poverty, equating to almost a quarter (24%) of children in the county.
• In Derby, areas like the Arboretum ward saw almost two out of every three children (63%) living in poverty, while Normanton recorded 59%.
• Data from Derby’s Poverty Commission indicates that 38.3% of children in the city are living in poverty, and these numbers are on the rise.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted educational support to ensure that all young people have a fair chance at success. For more detailed insights into child poverty, refer to the Children in low income families: local area statistics – GOV.UK and The Nottingham neighbourhood where nearly two thirds of children live in poverty – Nottinghamshire Live.

Local support

Our work has even drawn the interest of local Nottingham MPs. Year 6 pupils at a local primary school were awash with excitement when Alex Norris, MP for Nottingham North, visited their programme last year. Being able to demonstrate the progress they had made in subject knowledge, study skills and confidence was a fantastic opportunity.

Action Tutoring’s impact in Nottingham

Action Tutoring launched in Nottingham in autumn 2019 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across Nottingham and Derby to provide high-quality tutoring in maths and English. Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Nottingham and Derby, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.
• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.

My volunteering experience has been amazing. Prior to joining, I thought that working with secondary school pupils would be hard work and that pupils would be rebellious but it has been the complete opposite.

Every week I look forward to tutoring as I know I am bringing a student one step closer to achieving their desired grades and giving them support they may have not had otherwise. Also, the support from Action Tutoring makes things very easy since they provide material to work with.

Calton, volunteer tutor in Nottingham

Become a volunteer tutor

By dedicating just one hour a week, you can become a powerful force for change. Our volunteer tutors not only provide academic guidance but also act as vital role models, inspiring young people to overcome barriers and believe in their own abilities. This rewarding experience also allows you to develop valuable skills in communication, leadership, and mentoring.

Partner with us

We collaborate with primary and secondary schools in Nottingham and Derby to deliver our effective tutoring programmes. If you are a school leader or staff member interested in exploring a partnership with Action Tutoring, please reach out to our Nottingham and Derby Programme Team to discuss how we can support your pupils.

Sheffield and Rotherham

Why we work in Sheffield and Rotherham

Our decision to establish partnerships in Sheffield and Rotherham stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

• A recent report by Sheffield’s Director of Public Health found that 33% of children in Sheffield are living in poverty. This figure makes Sheffield one of the authorities with the highest child poverty rates in Yorkshire and the Humber. Some neighbourhoods, such as Parson Cross, Shirecliffe, Tinsley, and Darnall, experience particularly high levels of deprivation.
• Similarly, 31% of children in Rotherham are living in poverty.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Sheffield and Rotherham. Growing up in poverty can profoundly affect a child’s development, leading to lower academic attainment and reduced opportunities for further education, training or employment.

By providing targeted, high-quality tutoring, Action Tutoring aims to mitigate these effects, helping to build academic confidence and unlock pupils’ potential.

“Tutoring helps. It’s normally linked to what you do in lessons so you can go into lessons being more confident on things. It helps with getting more fixed in my head so I know what to write about when it comes to exams. Tutoring boosts you a lot, especially in exams.“

Bella, Year 11 pupil, King Ecgbert School 

Action Tutoring‘s impact in Sheffield

Action Tutoring launched in Sheffield in spring 2014, and we have been working with volunteers and schools to support pupils ever since.

Action Tutoring launched in Sheffield in 2014 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across the city and Rotherham to provide high-quality tutoring in maths and English. Our volunteers play a crucial role in closing the attainment gap and boosting the confidence of disadvantaged pupils.

Our national impact, reflecting the work done across all our regions including Sheffield and Rotherham, demonstrates the effectiveness of our programmes:

• In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed national benchmarks for disadvantaged pupils.
• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard compared to other disadvantaged children nationally.

“I gained valuable experience of working with pupils in Year 6 tutoring in Sheffield.. This enabled me to develop my communication skills and gain a true insight into how they learn various topics, as well as listen to their interpretations on not only academics, but life too. Overall, this experience was very rewarding and inspired me to pursue a degree in education!“

Rachel Adams, volunteer in Sheffield

Become a volunteer tutor

By dedicating just one hour a week, you can become a powerful force for change. Our volunteer tutors not only provide academic guidance but also act as role models, inspiring young people to overcome barriers and believe in their own abilities. This rewarding experience also allows you to develop valuable skills in communication, leadership, and mentoring.

Partner with us

We collaborate with primary and secondary schools in Sheffield and Rotherham to deliver our high-impact, low-cost tutoring programmes. If you are a school leader or staff member interested in exploring a partnership with Action Tutoring, please reach out to our Northern Programme Team to discuss how we can support your pupils.

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

Paul Haigh, Headteacher at King Ecgbert School

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