Our Reach: Newcastle and County Durham

Why volunteer as a tutor in Newcastle and County Durham

Newcastle is one of the most iconic cities in Britain, famous for its industrial heritage, spectacular bridges and bakery chain Greggs. The gateway to the north is home to over 300,000 people. 

New statistics released by the End Child Poverty Coalition show that North East England had the greatest growth in child poverty 2016-2021, and has risen by a third. 75% of children living in poverty in 2019/20 were in households with at least one working adult. In Newcastle, the proportion of children living in poverty in the city rose from 28.4% in 2014/15 to 42.4% seven years later.

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). This limits their opportunities later in life, whether they’re applying for apprenticeships, studying A-Levels or seeking employment. Action Tutoring is committed to improving the academic outcomes of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We have been working with schools in Newcastle to support the city’s disadvantaged pupils since 2017. In 2021, we expanded this reach to include schools in County Durham.

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 Newcastle.

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

Action Tutoring in Newcastle and County Durham

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. Since launching in Newcastle in 2017, we have been working with volunteers to deliver tutoring programmes in a number of 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. 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

Some of our current volunteering opportunities in Newcastle and County Durham take place with pupils from the following partner schools:

Find out more information about becoming a volunteer or partnering as a school in Newcastle and County Durham.

Newcastle and County Durham Programme Team

• Brenda Turnbull (Senior Newcastle Programme Coordinator )
• Rachael Galletly (Northern Programme Manager)
• Josh Smith (Newcastle Programme Coordinator )