Our Reach: Dorset
Action Tutoring launched in Dorset in 2025 and since then, we have worked with volunteers to deliver tutoring programmes in a number of schools across the region.
This page covers why and where we work in Dorset, our impact in the region and how you can get involved.
Sandford St Martin's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
primary SchoolConifers Primary School
primary SchoolSt George's Foundation Primary School
primary SchoolWyke Regis Church of England Junior School
primary SchoolHoly Trinity Church of England VC Primary School
primary SchoolShaftesbury School
secondary SchoolSturminster Newton High School
secondary SchoolBincombe Valley Primary School
primary SchoolThe Blandford School
secondary SchoolWest Moors Middle School
secondary SchoolWhy 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.
Some of our current volunteering opportunities in Dorset take place with pupils from the following partner schools:
Primary
- Sandford St Martin's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
- Conifers Primary School
- St George's Foundation Primary School
- Wyke Regis Church of England Junior School
- Holy Trinity Church of England VC Primary School
- Bincombe Valley Primary School
Secondary
- Shaftesbury School
- Sturminster Newton High School
- The Blandford School
- West Moors Middle School
Find out more information about becoming a volunteer or partnering as a school in Dorset.
Dorset Programme Team
- Sav Karia (Programme Manager)
- Ed Stankus (Dorset Programme Coordinator)
