Our Reach: Sheffield and Rotherham

Why we work in Sheffield and Rotherham

Our decision to establish partnerships in Sheffield and Rotherham stems from our commitment to addressing educational inequality where the need is greatest. Many pupils face significant challenges that impact their learning.

• A recent report by Sheffield’s Director of Public Health found that 33% of children in Sheffield are living in poverty. This figure makes Sheffield one of the authorities with the highest child poverty rates in Yorkshire and the Humber. Some neighbourhoods, such as Parson Cross, Shirecliffe, Tinsley, and Darnall, experience particularly high levels of deprivation.
• Similarly, 31% of children in Rotherham are living in poverty.

These statistics underscore the significant challenges faced by many young people in Sheffield and Rotherham. Growing up in poverty can profoundly affect a child’s development, leading to lower academic attainment and 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.

“Tutoring helps. It’s normally linked to what you do in lessons so you can go into lessons being more confident on things. It helps with getting more fixed in my head so I know what to write about when it comes to exams. Tutoring boosts you a lot, especially in exams.“

Bella, Year 11 pupil, King Ecgbert School 

Action Tutoring‘s impact in Sheffield

Action Tutoring launched in Sheffield in spring 2014, and we have been working with volunteers and schools to support pupils ever since.

Action Tutoring launched in Sheffield in 2014 and has since expanded its reach, working with multiple schools across the city and Rotherham 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 Sheffield and Rotherham, 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.

“I gained valuable experience of working with pupils in Year 6 tutoring in Sheffield.. This enabled me to develop my communication skills and gain a true insight into how they learn various topics, as well as listen to their interpretations on not only academics, but life too. Overall, this experience was very rewarding and inspired me to pursue a degree in education!“

Rachel Adams, volunteer in Sheffield

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 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 Sheffield and Rotherham to deliver our high-impact, low-cost tutoring programmes. If you are a school leader or staff member interested in exploring a partnership with Action Tutoring, please reach out to our Northern Programme Team to discuss how we can support your pupils.

“I often look around our sixth form and know there are pupils that would not have got there without Action Tutoring. Some of them are now looking at university as their next step.”

Paul Haigh, Headteacher at King Ecgbert School

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

Find out more information about becoming a volunteer or partnering as a school in Sheffield and Rotherham.

Sheffield and Rotherham Programme Team

• Rachael Galletly (Programme Manager)
• Rachel Taylor (Senior Sheffield Programme Coordinator)
• Briar Wilkinson (Sheffield/Rotherham Programme Coordinator)
• Ines Monteiro (Sheffield/Rotherham Programme Coordinator)