Our Reach: Newcastle and County Durham

Action Tutoring launched in Newcastle in autumn 2017 and began working with local volunteers and schools to support pupils in the city. In 2021, we expanded this reach to include schools in County Durham.

West Jesmond Primary School

primary School

Walkergate Community School

primary School

Wallsend St. Peter's CofE Aided Primary School'

primary School

Central Walker Church of England Primary School

primary School

Dean Bank Primary

primary School

Cotsford Primary

primary School

Whitehouse Primary School

primary School

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

Upcoming fundraising events in Newcastle

We don’t currently have any fundraising events planned in Bristol, but if you have an idea or want to express your interest in taking part in a future event, contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Molly, via molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk.

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

Primary

  • West Jesmond Primary School
  • Walkergate Community School
  • Wallsend St. Peter's CofE Aided Primary School'
  • Central Walker Church of England Primary School
  • Dean Bank Primary
  • Cotsford Primary
  • Whitehouse Primary School

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

Newcastle and County Durham Programme Team