Our Reach: 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.

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

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

Nottingham Programme Team

• Grace Nott (Programme Manager)
• Robin Shields (Senior Nottingham Programme Coordinator)
• Laura Plumb (Nottingham Programme Coordinator)