Our Reach: Bristol

Why volunteer as a tutor in Bristol

Bristol is an eclectic city, known for its vibrant culture, thriving art scene and beautiful surrounding countryside. As one of the 11 “Core Cities” in the United Kingdom, it is most populous in south west England, with an estimated population of 472,300 people. 

Bristol also has the highest levels of child poverty across the whole south west region. Like many cities, it is one of contrast, where some of the most deprived areas border the most affluent. Bristol has 41 areas in the most deprived 10% in England, including three in the most deprived 1%. According to new data, a third of children are living in poverty; ten school children out of a class of 30.

As of June 2022, 17,645 pupils in Bristol are eligible for free school meals. Free school meals are available to children who have parents receiving benefits or are on incomes of less than £7,400. Evidence shows that pupils from low income families are less likely to perform well in school, since there are more obstacles in the way of their academic progress (such as lack of access to technology or extra resources).

Action Tutoring is committed to improving the academic outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, demonstrated through our impact data. Read on to find out how you can support these children by volunteer tutoring in Bristol.

Action Tutoring in Bristol

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. After launching in 2014, Action Tutoring has steadily increased partnerships with Bristol schools, and this academic year (2022-23) we are on track to run 12 programmes across 9 schools. 

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.

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

We are working hard to grow our volunteer tutor community in the Bristol area and are keen to engage more volunteers locally to support our face-to-face programmes.

By tutoring in Bristol 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. 

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

Some of our current volunteering opportunities in Bristol take place with pupils from the following partner schools:

Find out more information about becoming a volunteer or partnering as a school in Bristol.

Bristol Programme Team

• Rachel Roberts (Programme Manager for Bristol)
• Chloe Baber (Programme Coordinator for Bristol)
• Freya Cunningham (Programme Coordinator for Bristol)