Tutoring

What we have achieved: Our 2023-24 impact report

Education has navigated numerous challenges in recent years, ranging from Covid’s effects, to ever tightening school budgets. Pupils who face disadvantage have been particularly affected. In spite of these hurdles, we are immensely proud of the impact we continue to have on the young people who need it the most. The release of our 2023-24 impact report – which we are now able to share with you – demonstrates how tutoring continues to empower.

Solid foundations

Committed to narrowing the attainment gap in English and maths, we have built up a robust evidence base, over 12 years in operation. Our latest impact report shows we have a foundation of evidence and a proven solution – tutoring with volunteers works.

In summary: our impact report

So, read on to discover the key headlines which highlight our consistent commitment to supporting pupils, partner schools, and volunteers, during this past academic year.

The headline figures

In 2023-24, our Year 6 and Year 11 pupils significantly outperformed the national benchmarks for pupils facing disadvantage.

Additionally:

• Our programmes reached pupils located across 11 main cities and areas.
• We also established programmes in new locations including Devon, Stockport and West Cumberland.
• Year 6 pupils completing the tutoring programme in reading almost completed the gap nationally. These pupils are record-breakers! They achieved the best outcome Action Tutoring has ever reported for reading at key stage 2.

As well as this success:

• Primary age pupils tutored in maths were 20% more likely to meet the expected standard than other children.
• After completing our programme, secondary age pupils were more likely to pass the GCSE in their tutored subject, compared with other pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds nationally.

The above graphic is also crucial because:

• Teachers choose children to take part in Action Tutoring programmes who they know are at a particular risk of not meeting this benchmark in their key stage 2 SATs. This makes their achievement all the more meaningful.

Fantastic feedback

If you want to see the impact we have on teachers and the tutors who volunteer on our programmes, then read this glowing endorsement for 2023-24, below:

• 8.4/10 – teachers’ average score for our charity’s impact on their pupils.
• 9.4/10 – tutors’ average score for whether they would recommend volunteering with us to a colleague or friend.
• 9.4/10 – teachers’ average score for Action Tutoring when asked if our staff were well organised.

Read our 2023-24 Impact Report

Looking ahead

Now in its 13th year, Action Tutoring is entering a new chapter following the ending of the National Tutoring Programme in summer 2024. This brings new challenges and new opportunities for the 2024-25 academic year.

We are continuing to consolidate our work and ensure a strong platform for future growth. We remain committed to our strategy which focuses on four key areas: reach, growth, impact and advocacy. It enables us to keep a laser focus on our mission, ensuring we are having a meaningful impact on the young people we support, and are continuously striving to reach more.

The top lines for our our future – within our four key areas – include:

• Advocacy: In 2024-25 we will continue to campaign and seek to engage politicians and key decision makers, advocating for extended government investment in state school tutoring.
• Reach: In the year ahead we plan to expand the locations we are working in, especially to reach more rural and coastal areas to support pupils who are often facing hidden disadvantages.
• Impact: We are continuing to refine our tutoring resources, pupil assessments and volunteer development to further improve pupil outcomes.
• Growth: We remain committed to our ambition for growth, whilst ensuring that our targets can be reached sustainably and that we can overcome the external barriers we face.

Thank you

We hope you enjoy reading through the publication and reflecting on our work together. 

Get involved: Ways you can join our mission

There are many different ways you can help us to build a brighter future through tutoring. Read on to find out how you can become involved.

Sign up to volunteer

Ready to volunteer on one of our programmes?

By volunteering for just one hour a week, either school or online, you will:

• Transform the lives of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Give pupils hope in their education.
• Share that lightbulb moment, when a pupil exclaims, ‘I get it’.
• Experience the joy of tutoring.

Thank you!

Spread the word

We would love you more broadly to spread the word on all that we do with those you know. Whether it’s your friends, family, colleagues, or someone you know who works in education or at a school, it all helps.

Here are some other ways you can support us this year.

Share our blog

One of the best ways to spread the word on what we do, is by reading and sharing our blog.

Whether case studies, policy and curriculum, or, fundraising, there’s always something worthwhile.  

Recommend us to a school

Do you know of a school, or a teacher who could benefit from our work? Why not recommend us to them! They can simply email: schoolenquiries@actiontutoring.org.uk, call 0300 102 0094, or send them the link to the form below.

Share our socials

Want to get social and keep up to date on all things impact at Action Tutoring? Simply click on the icons below to follow our channels and share our social posts today.

Fearless QBE Insurance fundraisers tackle challenge to support pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds

Epic fundraising

Action Tutoring is proud to be the UK community partner of the QBE Foundation. We’re delighted that through this partnership, during an epic fundraising week, QBE Insurance fundraisers united to support our cause.

Two volunteer teams battled the Thames Bridges Trek and the Royal Parks Half Marathon, raising over £10,000 in total! Read on to find out more about these fundraising adventures. 

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Following landmarks along the Thames Bridge Trek

Joining a collective 2,000 person walking group, our 26 Thames Bridges Trek QBE Insurance fundraisers followed a 10 or 25 kilometre route. Passing many iconic sights – heading east through the heart of the capital – the team finished at mighty Tower Bridge.

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QBE Insurance fundraisers run the roads at the Royal Parks Half

16,000 keen runners gathered together to take on the flat and scenic Royal Parks Half Marathon. 

One of our 10 QBE Insurance fundraisers, Chris, who managed a personal best, loved the buzzing atmosphere at race day.

Jonathan, another QBE Insurance fundraiser, also had a memorable and rewarding experience.

Our Fundraising Manager, Kate, was there to cheer on our amazing team.

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Fundraising success!

Our Thames Bridges team raised £3,408 and our Royal Parks team generated £7,084. This collectively amounts to an amazing £10,492! Thank you so much to the QBE Foundation for generously matching these donations!

This could provide high quality maths or English workbooks to 1,748 pupils, or vital noise-cancelling headphones for 327 online pupils!

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From abseils to scootathlons: Fundraisers take on unique autumn challenges

Fundraisers across the country have been rallying around Action Tutoring this autumn organising extraordinary events. They have been able to raise significant funds and spread awareness about education inequality.

Keep reading to discover the incredible challenges they’ve taken on to support our pupils!

Scooting to success at an autumn fundraiser

Kicking off autumn’s fundraising, Susannah, Action Tutoring’s Founder and CEO’s son, Josh, took on a Scootathlon challenge. Consisting of a scoot, cycle, and run, at Impetus’ annual Triathlon event, Josh came in first, winning the whole race!

Josh raised an incredible £415 (£517.50 with Gift Aid!), which could provide online training for 166 of our volunteer tutors.

Reaching new heights

A staff team of six faced a daring challenge in another autumn fundraiser – abseiling off the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral!

It’s the largest cathedral in the UK, with the 100m free-fall abseil taking place above the west door.

The team collectively raised an incredible £1,659 rising to £1,956.76 with Gift Aid! This impressive total could provide high-quality maths or English workbooks to 121 tutor and pupil groups.

“Abseiling to honour my dad’s memory while raising funds for a cause like Action Tutoring, was an experience I will never forget. Getting to share the day and take on a new challenge with other colleagues made the day even more special.”

Adriana – Senior Curriculum and Training Coordinator and abseiler

Embracing the mud

Our Communications and Media Manager, Rebecca, and four friends, tackled a demanding 10K Wolf Run. The course featured freezing swims, muddy crawls, boggy scrambles, and 10ft obstacles!

The brave team raised £430, a total of £528.75 including Gift Aid. This could provide a year of face-to-face tutoring for an Action Tutoring pupil!

Pedalling with a purpose

Tackling an incredible feat, cycling 55 miles from London-Brighton, our team of four completed a sunny, scenic, and strenuous ride.

For this autumn fundraiser, in total, the team raised an outstanding £1,204, rising to £1,481.87 including Gift Aid. This amount could provide enhanced DBS checks for 132 of our volunteer tutors!

“I look forward to participating in more fundraising challenges in the future!”

Katy – London Programme Coordinator and cyclist

Take on a challenge in summer

If you’re feeling inspired to take on a cycle, wolf run, abseil, or scootahlon, get in touch with Molly via molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk. She can help organise your event, and provide fundraising support throughout your journey.

Or, want to take a spot on one of our 2025 running events next summer? See a full list below, and contact us if you’re interested in joining our friendly fundraising team.

Meet Imogen: Find out why she loves tutoring

Meet Imogen – a university student studying English Literature. We spoke to her to find out why she’s loved her tutoring placement and what rank as her highlights.

Imogen’s aspirations

I’ve long aspired to work with children. I really enjoy the idea of helping children grow and succeed both academically and socially. 

Imogen’s reason for choosing Action Tutoring

Given I plan on teaching after completing my degree, I wanted to find an organisation to help me better understand education. After researching options for my university placement, I chose Action Tutoring. 

Their ambition of supporting every child, regardless of their background, inspired me. It’s something I believe is extremely powerful and important. The idea of joining a community where everyone’s working to close the attainment gap was invigorating. 

Additionally, the charity’s flexibility in offering online and in-person tutoring sessions is great for both my degree and supporting pupils on a much wider scale. 

Imogen’s highlights

I recall one pupil in their first tutoring session presenting as slightly reserved. The pupil didn’t like reading aloud. I feel they preferred me to mostly speak and ask questions, while they listened and mainly answered yes or no. 

Post-session, I spent some time considering ways to encourage the pupil to get more involved and enjoy the session. In our second session, we spent 10 minutes playing getting to know each other games. This helped the pupil feel much more comfortable. By the third session, without prompting, they asked if they could read the main text for the day’s session. 

I was amazed at the pupil’s increased confidence, their engagement and enjoyment. It solidified to me why I became a volunteer tutor for Action Tutoring. 

Imogen’s confidence increase through Action Tutoring’s support

As this was my first time tutoring, I was slightly apprehensive and nervous on what to expect. Thankfully, Action Tutoring’s extensive resources massively helped. Workbooks, introductory games, fun activities and online resources outside of initial training, all offered me a greater understanding of my role. It really built my confidence before my first session. 

I was also apprehensive about tutoring online. I’d no prior experience using Action Tutoring’s Vedamo system. Thanks to the charity’s Vedamo tutorial, I more easily uploaded online resources and understood the system much better. This made online tutoring seem much less daunting. I spent less time worrying, instead planning – and looking forward to – tutoring. 

What Imogen has learnt

Being a volunteer tutor with Action Tutoring has enhanced certain skills I can apply to daily life, like planning. Pre-session planning has encouraged me to precisely plan and structure things like university essay writing. 

Why Imogen believes you should volunteer with Action Tutoring

Action Tutoring has set a foundation for my future career aspirations which could otherwise have been difficult to achieve. I’ve managed to explore what it’s like to teach and educate children, and educate myself on what becoming a teacher requires.

It’s also priceless seeing a pupil’s smile when they achieve something they felt they couldn’t do. So with this all in mind, I’d recommend signing up today. 

Stand-up at The Leadmill: Rachael raises vital funds with comedy challenge!

Our Northern Programme Manager, Rachael, has courageously performed a stand-up comedy fundraiser in Sheffield. 

Confidently delivering her set in July at the famous Leadmill venue, Rachael’s eight-week UltraComedy training helped display her comedic talents.  

Read on as we discover the inspiring story of Rachael’s challenge, as she shares her setbacks and triumphs along the way.

The joy of making others laugh

Choosing comedy over a sporting fundraising challenge, Rachael says she loves making others laugh.

“One of the things I miss most about teaching is standing up in front of 28 pupils and making them laugh (I did teach them on occasion too!),” she says. “So, I thought it would be good to try some actual stand-up!”

Overcoming writer’s block

Crafting comedic material proved a formidable challenge for Rachael, as she grappled with a creativity block.

“I discovered that writing actual jokes is really difficult. Being funny in the pub with your friends is very different to standing up on stage and performing your own material.” – Rachael

Rachael’s perseverance shone through as she embraced the training, relishing the opportunity to meet new people and share creative ideas.

Battling the nerves

As it would be for most, the prospect of performing stand-up comedy was nerve-wracking for Rachael.

“I was okay in terms of feeling nervous right up to the day itself and then I found my emotions hard to manage! There were 27 acts in total and I was on 25th! Waiting such a long time whilst everyone else performed was really tough.” – Rachael

However, Rachael conquered her nerves and delivered a brilliant performance in the spotlight.

“I was glad that there were such bright spotlights shining on me so I was dazzled and couldn’t actually see anyone in the audience!” – Rachael

Fundraising success

Rachael had great fundraising success, raising an incredible £503.75 including Gift Aid.

This amount could provide enhanced DBS checks for 44 volunteer tutors, or high quality maths or English workbooks to 96 pupils!

“Watching the funds raised for Action Tutoring mount up was a great buzz.” – Rachael

Get out of your comfort zone

Rachael encourages anyone considering a similar challenge to take the plunge!

Want to get involved and help us support disadvantaged pupils to unlock their academic potential? Email molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk to discuss your fundraising idea!

My Smoke Ring challenge for Action Tutoring

175 miles, one ripped tyre and a whole lot of learning

Blog written by Action Tutoring’s Nich Bull:

On Friday 5th July this year I took on the challenge of a lifetime – the Smoke Ring 2024; a gruelling 200 mile off-road bike ride around London raising money for Action Tutoring.

The ride is definitely a brutal test. Overall it was a super wet night, constant pedalling for nearly 20 hours, and the significant physical and mental strain that comes with pushing yourself to the limit.

While I didn’t quite make it the full 200 miles, I still managed 175 miles as a ripped tyre forced me to stop around 10 am on Saturday. Disappointment? Sure. But this ride wasn’t just about the finish line. It was a journey of self-discovery, and it taught me some invaluable lessons that I want to share with you.

Resilience and the power of learning from failure

The Smoke Ring was altogether the most challenging thing I have ever done. It certainly pushed me to my absolute physical and mental limits. But you know what? It also shows me the power of resilience and the importance of learning from failure.

Now, I have a year to analyse what went wrong and return stronger next time. Going forward, I will look to prepare different tools and strategies. That’s the beauty (and sometimes frustration) of pushing your boundaries – you learn what works and what doesn’t.

The importance of evidence-based action in overcoming challenges

This experience got me particularly thinking about the importance of resilience and learning from failure in a broader sense – not just for individuals, but also for organisations. Research shows that the best organisations are the ones that embrace failure as a learning opportunity. They take stock of what went wrong, analyse the data, and use that information to improve.

A core Action Tutoring value is basing our work on evidence. We especially focus on analysing our results, even when they’re not what we specifically hoped for. This allows us to constantly improve and make a bigger impact on the lives of the children we serve.

Maybe we all need to get better at embracing evidence-based failure. By learning from our mistakes, we can grow stronger and achieve even greater things.

This Smoke Ring challenge may not have ended with me crossing the finish line, but the journey of learning and growing is far from over. Together, let’s keep pushing forward, embracing challenges, and positively impacting the world.

Support Action Tutoring and keep the journey going

If you feel inspired by Action Tutoring’s mission and Nich’s Smoke Ring challenge, there are a few ways you can get involved:

• Take up a challenge yourself: See a list of our events here or get in contact with our Fundraising Coordinator, Molly, molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk if you have your own event in mind.
• Corporate partnerships: Are you looking to get your company involved in a cause that matters? See more information here or get in contact with our Corporate Partnerships Manager, Mollie, directly on mollie.vessey@actiontutoring.org.uk.
• Volunteer as a tutor: Share your knowledge and make a real difference in a child’s life. Sign up to volunteer below!

10 formidable fundraisers challenge themselves at the London 10k!

Ten fearless runners have raised over £3,000 for Action Tutoring by taking on the Saucony London 10k.

Cheered on by family and friends, fundraisers completed the flat and urban route, supporting pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds across England.

Read on to find out about how our runners triumphantly crossed the finish line on this fantastic day of fundraising.

Fantastic day at the London 10k

On Sunday 14th July, London’s streets were not filled with the usual traffic. Instead, 13,000 keen runners completed the London 10k, surrounded by sun and blue skies.

Starting in Piccadilly, passing many iconic landmarks, and finishing near Parliament Square, the route was made  for a personal best!

“Running through the beautiful streets of London was an exhilarating experience, and it was made even more special knowing that every step taken was towards supporting Action Tutoring.” – Ashutosh, fundraiser

Booming atmosphere and iconic London 10k route

The London 10k is renowned for its carnival-like atmosphere, and this year’s event was no exception, with roaring music and applauding supporters.

“The atmosphere throughout the run was amazing, people cheering and music blaring was so much fun and helped push me on.” – Eluario, fundraiser

Running past incredible sights like Big Ben, the London Eye, and the River Thames made for an unforgettable experience. Westminster Bridge even brought a welcome surprise!

“Reaching Westminster Bridge and having people shoot water guns to help cool us all down for the last couple of kilometres was a much-needed blessing and so much fun for everyone involved.” – Gabe, staff fundraiser

Best-friend duo

The camaraderie shared between friends can be a powerful motivator for taking on a personal challenge. Running the race as a duo, Gabe and Eluario created a lasting memory as they ran side-by-side.

“Running with one of my best mates made the experience so much better as we were able to push each other.” – Gabe, staff fundraiser

They both attributed their success to the mutual encouragement they provided throughout the race, helping them push through to the finish line.

Keeping the cause in mind

Driven by their commitment to our cause, our runners maintained high motivation and determination throughout their training and on race day.

“Knowing that our efforts will support educational needs for those who require extra help made it all worthwhile.” – Bernard

Not only did they raise vital funds, but our team pushed themselves physically and mentally to achieve their goals.

“Running for such a great cause was a huge motivator, making me push myself to complete the race and finish it in as fast a time as possible.” – Eluario, fundraiser

“This event was not just about pushing my physical limits but also about contributing to a cause close to my heart.” – Ashutosh, fundraiser

Victorious fundraising

All their hard work paid off! The team raised an incredible £3,049.93, rising to £3,321.80 with Gift Aid.

This could provide an incredible 610 high quality pupil workbooks, or online training for 1,071 volunteer tutors.

A huge thank you to QBE, of which Action Tutoring is the UK community partner of their foundation. We are grateful to them for matching the donations of their four runners in this race.

“A huge well done to our team of 10 who took on this personal achievement whilst fundraising for our important work. Our vision is a world in which no child’s life chances are limited by their socio-economic background. We couldn’t achieve this without you. Thank you!” – Hannah O’Neill, Head of Philanthropy

Fundraise for us

Do you want to get involved in a fundraising challenge for us? We might just have the opportunity for you!

Contact our Fundraising Coordinator, Molly, at molly.cottrill@actiontutoring.org.uk for a full list of our events. You can also check out our Fundraising Pack for all the ways you can support us.

Some news about our CEO and founder, Susannah

It is with a heavy heart that Action Tutoring announces its CEO, and founder, Susannah Hardyman, will be moving on to become the new CEO of Impetus. We would like to congratulate Susannah on this exciting new opportunity! 

Joining Impetus

Impetus is Action Tutoring’s longest funder, first providing support to our charity in 2014. It is an organisation that we greatly admire and that has enabled Action Tutoring, through its financial investment and unwavering commitment to impact, to grow into the charity it is today. It feels incredibly fitting that Susannah will be bringing her wealth of experience, in both delivery and policy, and inspiring leadership qualities to this organisation. We wish her the very best of luck in her new role and take comfort in knowing she won’t be far away!

Susannah will begin her work at Impetus in January, so we still have plenty of time to reflect on, and celebrate, all that she has achieved at Action Tutoring. Susannah is leaving Action Tutoring in an incredibly strong position including having robust evidence of impact, solid financial footing and an inspiring and energised team. The Board will begin the process to recruit Susannah’s successor shortly.

Thank you

For now though, we would just like to say ‘thank you’. Thank you on behalf of the thousands of pupils’ whose lives you’ve helped change. Thank you from all of the volunteers who’ve benefited from their time tutoring with us and thank you from every staff member, over the last 12 years, that you have led, inspired and enabled to be the best that they can be.

How being a volunteer tutor is more than I could have imagined

Meet Aneeqa. The third year University of Nottingham English student has tutored at Heathfield Primary and Nursery School and Redhill Academy. She told us about her positive experience as an Action Tutoring volunteer English tutor and why people should sign up.

I first heard of Action Tutoring when visiting their stall at my university’s freshers fair. I knew for my final university year, Action Tutoring would be the best place to consolidate my learning. They certainly appealed as, since being a toddler, I’ve always had a teaching passion. 

What teaching means to me

From teaching my stuffed toys and creating imaginary words, my love for tutoring grew from childhood. For me, tutoring means growth, including for the pupils I tutor. My aim is to provide a safe environment where pupils excel in their subject. Giving pupils patience and compassion creates that safe environment.

More than I ever could have imagined

Little did I know, Action Tutoring would teach me more than I could ever have imagined. After an interview and initial training, I secured a volunteer English tutor place; tutoring both online and in person. Since joining Action Tutoring, which supports pupils facing disadvantage with their English and maths education, I’ve learnt so much. The team has provided me with care, many skills and a new teaching outlook. 

Growing together

“By tutoring through topic-focused games, I feel pupils started to recognise I had their best interests at heart.” – Aneeqa

I distinctly remember my first virtual tutoring session in October 2023. Starting at 3:30pm, after a full day’s schooling, the pupils joined, I feel, tired and slightly unfocused. Perhaps they weren’t looking forward to completing another lesson when their friends had already gone home. 

With this in mind, I spoke to Action Tutoring’s Nottingham Programme Coordinator, Niamh Wilson. We produced a plan to help the pupils get back on track. This included creating topic-focused games around what we were learning that day to immerse them within the lesson. From playing hangman with a key word they would learn that day, to longer games pupils co-created, this really helped. 

Working with pupils like this drastically improved their concentration, and the rapport between us. By tutoring this way, I feel pupils started to recognise I had their best interests at heart. I also truly believe it made us work well as a team. 

Challenging social stereotypes through volunteering

“Through volunteer tutoring, Action Tutoring has most importantly given me the greatest gift.” – Aneeqa

I’ve often felt society can be quick to judge and dismiss anyone facing disadvantage. I feel they’re deemed lesser than others and aren’t given the same opportunities to succeed. 

As a volunteer tutor with Action Tutoring, this has enabled me to play a small part in removing educational barriers. It’s been fantastic to see what a pupil facing socio-economic disadvantage can achieve. Through volunteering, I have wanted to show pupils they are capable of achieving everything they want in education. A pupil’s background does not define them. 

By signing up to volunteer with Action Tutoring it has also helped me on my path to becoming a teacher. I’m delighted to have been accepted to start on a teacher training programme with Ark Teacher Training in September 2024. Thanks to the Action Tutoring team and what I’ve learnt from the sessions, this feels a great next step. While I have myself to thank, Action Tutoring has also most importantly given me the greatest gift. By tutoring, I have experienced the joy of a pupil saying, ‘I get it’. 

What I’ve learnt

“By volunteering with Action Tutoring, I’ve also learnt you need to be flexible. You need to adapt to how every pupil’s feeling about learning on that day.” – Aneeqa

I reflect on my first tutoring session and laugh at my assumptions on what tutoring would be like. I believed pupils would be attentive and yes, in some ways, they are. Though I’ve learnt as a tutor you have to remember factors beyond your control. 

There’s one vital thing I’ve learnt. To be the best tutor you can for your pupils, you need to understand their feelings. You can’t force them to act or behave a certain way. Action Tutoring has shown for pupils to learn, you need to talk with them, not to them. I’ve also learnt to remember these sessions are there to help pupils, meaning your lesson could go off plan. 

By volunteering with Action Tutoring, I’ve also learnt you need to be flexible. You need to adapt to how every pupil’s feeling about learning on that day. Each pupil learns at their own pace. This means supporting all learning levels so you always include everyone. This is a juggling task I still have to master; being adaptable isn’t easy, for anyone! 

To sign up to become an Action Tutoring volunteer tutor, apply below.

GCSE results day: As it happened

It’s GCSE results day. With pupils across England receiving their grades, we’re looking forward to keeping you up to date today (Thursday 22nd August) with how pupils on our tutoring sessions have got on in this live blog. So keep refreshing the page and check back for updates! 

Celebrating pupils’ success

Results day is such an important date in the Action Tutoring calendar, and for all the pupils we support. It’s a day of celebration, recognising our pupils’ remarkable achievements, and a reminder of the work that’s still to be done. 

But for now, let’s take a moment to recognise all the hard work our pupils have put in to get to GCSE results day. And thank you to you, our community, for helping to make such a difference to every one of our pupils facing disadvantage. 

Live updates

9:08am: We’re getting the first quotes in from pupils across the regions where we provide tutoring sessions. This includes, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool.

Luke is a Year 11 pupil at the school. He says:

“Action Tutoring helped me get a 6 in my Maths GCSE so I’m really happy.
Without Action Tutoring I don’t think I would have got this result. I’m really happy. Gillian (my tutor) was really nice and I’d like to say thanks to her. I’m going onto do A Levels and go on to do business at university.” – Luke, Year 11, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool

Alfie, another Year 11 pupil at the school, says:

“Action Tutoring helped with little things I was stuck on, which I thought was really useful. It made a difference in my end result and I want to say thanks to my tutor for supporting me.”  – Alfie, Year 11, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool

9:40am: We’re now getting results in from one of our Nottingham schools, Park Vale Academy.

One of the pupils we’ve spoken to is Alistair in Year 11. His results include a seven in English language, six in maths and five in English literature.

Alistair says:

“The tutors were very helpful, they’re nice people and they want you to achieve. If you want to achieve your desired grade, take up tutoring. So thank you very much.” – Alistair, Year 11, Park Vale Academy, Nottingham

Find out more about Alistair in the video below…

10:31am: We’re still getting more results through from pupils at Park Vale Academy.

Another of these pupils is Angelina in Year 11. She was tutored in maths by her tutor, Finn, who she says she’s really thankful for. Angelina, who would like to study educational psychology at university, says:

“I’m very happy with my grade 4 in maths. I’m really happy I achieved my target. I’m feeling very relieved with my results today. Tutoring helped me feel the least pressure I’ve ever felt. It’s also helped me feel unashamed of getting things wrong, which is very comforting. To those thinking of tutoring, just do it.” – Angelina, Year 11, Park Vale Academy, Nottingham

10:43am: Here’s a snapshot of just some of the pupils who’ve completed Action Tutoring sessions this academic year and who’ve received their results from Park Vale Academy. Congratulations to everyone!

10:54am: Back now to Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool. We caught up with Year 11 pupil, Megan, who says:

“I enjoyed tutoring. The sessions helped and made a difference in my grade. It boosted my confidence and allowed me to ask questions about things I didn’t understand.” – Megan, Year 11, Holy Family Catholic High School, Liverpool

11am: We’re really proud of what our pupils, tutors, partners and the wider Action Tutoring community have been able to achieve this year; all to enable our pupils to gain their results through tutoring. Take a look at some of the key statistics for those pupils who’ve sat their GCSEs this last academic year, below.

11:26am: Now to hear parents’ perspectives on GCSE results day. Parents of Year 11 Park Vale Academy pupil Holly, give their thoughts on how tutoring has helped their daughter achieve her grades this academic year. Watch the video below to find out more.

11:45am: Now to hear from pupils a little further north in the country – Sheffield.

Year 11 pupil Daniel, who attends Sheffield Park Academy, has received his desired grades today. Attending 12 Action Tutoring sessions, he’s achieved grade 4 in English Language, 5 in English Literature and 5 in maths.

Daniel, who would like to go on to study catering at college – and one day hopes to become a chef – says:

“I’m really happy with my results – it feels unreal, considering how long I’ve been studying for. This is great for my future. Tutoring helped with the English especially, as I got used to breaking down sources and I couldn’t do that before tutoring. Thank you to my tutor.” – Daniel, Year 11, Sheffield Park Academy

12:01pm: Back now to the Midlands and Nottingham, where we hear from Matty. Completing Action Tutoring sessions at Bramcote College, Matty has achieved his desired grades, including a 5 in maths and passing English Literature and Language. He says to any pupils who complete sessions with his tutor, Alan, that “whoever has Alan next, you’ll smash your exams.”

Watch the video from Matty below to find out more about how he got on.

12:15pm: We heard from Park Vale Academy pupil Holly’s parents earlier; now it’s Holly’s turn.

Year 11 pupil Holly, who achieved grade 4 in maths, says her tutoring has helped her take a path towards health and social care, which she’ll be studying at college.

Holly, who also has a keen passion for one day studying psychology and mental health, says:

“I passed everything. I’m happy. Tutoring helped my confidence, as I got to talk to different people in the group sessions who were also a similar ability. I definitely felt more comfortable thanks to tutoring. I’d say to anything thinking of doing it, definitely do it, if you have the chance. Thanks so much to my tutors and I appreciate what they’ve helped me achieve.” – Holly, Year 11, Park Vale Academy, Nottingham

12:30pm: We are taking a break for a little while, though we’ll look to return with further updates later today.

2pm: Welcome back to our blog. We’ll be sharing some more updates on GCSE results day below.

2:09pm: Heading to the south of England now, we’ve had some quotes today from one of our schools in London.

At St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School, Action Tutoring session pupil Ruby was really happy to pass and achieve a maths grade 6.

Year 11 pupil Ruby, who would one day like to become a PE teacher, says:

“I feel really good. I genuinely didn’t think I was going to pass. But tutoring has made a big difference. The sessions helped me break things down a lot more easily, whereas before tutoring, I didn’t understand the lessons. Thank you to our tutor too who was really nice. – Ruby, Year 11, St Saviours and St Olaves School, London

2:23pm: We’ve received some more pictures of our pupils at St Saviour’s and St Olave’s with their results today. Congratulations guys!

2:40pm: Heading west, we meet Year 11 pupil Charlie from Fairfield High School, Bristol.

Charlie says he didn’t expect to get his grade 5 in maths. He says thanks to his tutor Tony and the Action Tutoring sessions, this helped him achieve “more than a pass”.

Watch Charlie’s video below to find out more about him and his GCSE results.

4:02pm: Back at Park Vale Academy in Nottingham, we hear from Year 11 pupil, Riarna.

Riarna, who’d like to become an architect one day, has achieved a grade 6 in both her English Literature and English Language exams. She says she’s “really happy with my results” and after tutoring she “feels a lot better, happy and content”. She also acknowledges “the tutors are the best part of the sessions”.

Watch Riarna’s video to see why she recommends signing up to complete Action Tutoring sessions.

4:10pm: Back to Nottingham’s Bramcote College and to meet Year 11 pupil Stevie.

Stevie, who hopes to pursue a career in midwifery, achieved a grade 5 in maths today as part of GCSE results day.

Stevie says:

“I was initially in foundation and failing (maths) at the start of Year 10. I worked so hard and I got grade 5. Maths is a tricky subject, though all you need to do is work hard to achieve what you need. I’d just like to thank my tutor for the effort he put in. Whenever I said I was struggling, he helped.” – Stevie, Year 11 pupil, Bramcote College, Nottingham

5:26pm: There are no words to describe Nio’s tutoring experience better than Nio himself!

So over to the Year 11 pupil – who got a grade 6 in English Literature and a grade 5 in English Language – at Nottingham’s Park Vale Academy, to share below why you should sign up to be a volunteer tutor:

5:50pm: So that’s it from us today (Thursday 22nd August). We’re really grateful to everyone involved this academic year for their amazing efforts in helping our pupils to achieve the grades they deserve, and, feel the joy of tutoring.

*Check back on this page soon as while we are unable to make any guarantees at this stage, we may be sharing some further updates on Friday 23rd August regarding GCSE results day.*

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