Volunteer

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!

How tutoring has changed my life: University placement student Oscar shares his tutor journey

Meet Oscar. The Nottingham Trent University psychology student has tutored
more than 30 sessions with Action Tutoring. He shared his tutor journey with us and why he’s drawn to the joy of tutoring, including for both primary and secondary school pupils. He also explains how he helps pupils to reach that moment where they cheer ‘I
get it’.

I discovered Action Tutoring during my second year through my university
placements. Sessions were being advertised and I had the chance to complete a
60 hour placement, alongside my university work.

People power

I’ve always been greatly interested in working with people including customers
and colleagues. I only started university aged 22 which helped me reflect on my
preferred career path and where to study. This led me to study psychology with
counselling. I’ve not looked back and I aspire to become a counsellor or
psychotherapist. This is why signing up to Action Tutoring has given me real-life
examples of making a difference to people.

Why I’ve no regrets in tutoring

I have no regrets of signing up as a volunteer tutor for Action Tutoring. I quickly
became invested in their mission, understanding how they reach and support
pupils facing disadvantage. I’d previously supported Year 11 pupils before their
GCSEs at a school, so I was really keen to volunteer.

Tutoring: No greater feeling

In my short time as a volunteer tutor, I’ve enjoyed many great sessions and
moments. It’s amazing when a pupil solves a maths problem, or when they
haven’t had the best day and they leave a session with a huge smile.

I’ve definitely experienced a pupil achieving a ‘lightbulb moment’. This includes
when I described something which helped them understand a certain concept. I
was also so happy when I covered a session with three pupils who all wanted me
to tutor them again. Another great feeling is when a session finishes and each
pupil shows improvement and their understanding scores as 10 out of 10.

Tutoring definitely has been incredible and so rewarding.

What I’ve learnt through volunteering

I’ve learnt an enormous amount. Being able to work at my own pace has been
really helpful. This has enabled me to offer new reflections on pupils’ learning, as
well as my own. Another aspect is noting there an infinite number of different teaching approaches.

Additionally, I’ve gained huge experience from needing to adapt
every single session to best engage individual pupils.

Overcoming anxiety and challenges

Initially, I had some anxiety around engaging students and offering strong online
sessions. These worries quickly disappeared from the very first session.

What helped me immensely to overcome challenges while volunteering was
Action Tutoring’s online platform. Also, having the charity’s programme
coordinator available for direct contact throughout the session was very
comforting.

It’s been great to engage with coordinators in session debriefs too. I’ve found this
very useful for reflection and connection. Being able to openly discuss strengths
and improvements within a session has been invaluable to my development.

Life-changing tutoring

I’m very proud to have been part of the Action Tutoring volunteer tutor team.
Volunteering really has changed my life. I’ve been able to utilise many skills to
help secure job interviews and job offers. Volunteering has also helped me
enhance my communication, organisation and adaptability.

What I’ve also really enjoyed is meeting many different programme coordinators
during cover sessions. Most importantly, working with the pupils Action Tutoring
reaches is massively rewarding. It really makes me feel as though I’m making a
difference to these young people’s lives.

Get involved

I’d encourage anyone considering volunteering to get involved. The training and
wealth of resources really helps. I’ve certainly learnt an enormous amount
through using the Bright Ideas online training. The Vedamo programme is also
super easy and it can make for life-changing tutor-pupil sessions. In addition, the
workbooks, including game templates, are easily laid out, with relevant examples
and walkthroughs.

It’s also great to be able to tutor online. Reaching pupils across England’s schools
through tutoring is amazing. I could comfortably work from home while ensuring
I can provide high quality sessions between university and work commitments.

Becoming a volunteer tutor is so much more impactful than I expected. Thank you for having me!

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

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!

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.

Hidden disadvantage, visible impact: Action Tutoring is tackling rural educational challenges

In the realm of educational support, the challenges faced by rural and coastal communities often fly under the radar. While urban areas frequently dominate discussions about educational disadvantage, we at Action Tutoring, also want to shed light on the unique hurdles faced by pupils in more remote locations.

Rural inequity in education is a complex issue, often invisible to traditional metrics like Pupil Premium percentages. It manifests in hidden disadvantage such as families relying on seasonal employment, more limited access to resources and a smaller choice, and therefore competition, of schools.

Recognising this gap, Action Tutoring has expanded its reach to more rural settings in areas such as Devon and Cumbria, and will continue to extend this reach in the coming academic year. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing the educational needs of pupils in rural and coastal areas, bringing targeted support to communities where it’s desperately needed but often overlooked.

A coastal example

Kingsbridge Community College in Devon has worked with Action Tutoring since April 2024. It is one of 5 colleges we now work with in the county. Tina Graham, Principal at Kingsbridge, shared her insights on the transformative impact of their first term with Action Tutoring. She tells of how this partnership is not just boosting academic performance, but also building confidence and engagement among pupils facing unique challenges.

Despite a relatively low Pupil Premium percentage, Kingsbridge faces unique challenges.

“We first started working with Action Tutoring because we liked the ethos of the organisation. The charity uses specifically trained volunteer tutors with a focus on pupils who are facing disadvantage.“

The principal’s enthusiasm for the program is evident. “Our experience of Action Tutoring has been absolutely fantastic. It is a professional and solution-focused organisation. Our programme coordinator, Lauren, has been absolutely phenomenal. She keeps the pupils at the heart of everything and has built fantastic relationships with other members of staff in the college.“

Visible impact on student engagement

The positive effects of tutoring have been remarkable. “We’ve seen a significant boost in student confidence,” Ms Graham notes. “Even initially reluctant pupils are now actively engaging in their work”. This improvement extends beyond tutoring sessions. “Our pupils have responded really well to the tutoring and we have seen a positive impact. Most were well engaged at the start but some really lacked confidence. The tutoring has built this confidence up and we can see that they are much happier and more able to converse with their tutors.

“We have had some pupils who were reluctant to do any work, and reluctant to pick up their pens in their normal lessons but who are now much more able to engage with their work after the tutoring. We also felt that the tutoring gave the Year 10 pupils much more confidence when they came to sit their end of year exams.“

The principle was not the only staff member whom the effects of tutoring had made an impact on. She noted that the English department heads had been monitoring the tutoring closely and were really impressed. “They have both noticed the shift in engagement levels of the pupils who are receiving the support.“

Building lasting relationships

Ms Graham concludes with heartfelt gratitude: “We wholeheartedly recommend Action Tutoring to other colleges. The volunteer tutors have built remarkably strong relationships with our pupils, evident in the pupils’ eagerness to return each week.

“Because of our experience we would absolutely recommend Action Tutoring to other colleges. I’d like to say a huge thank you to the volunteer tutors who have supported our pupils. They have built such strong, remarkable relationships and that is evident in the fact that the pupils want to come back each week.”
Action Tutoring’s success at Kingsbridge Community College demonstrates the power of targeted support in addressing educational disparities, particularly in rural and coastal areas facing hidden disadvantages.

Continuing to reach rural communities

As Action Tutoring expands its partnerships in Devon and other rural areas, we have the potential to make a significant impact on closing the attainment gap in these often-underserved communities. We recognise that equity in education isn’t just about targeting obvious areas of deprivation. It is also about reaching into communities where challenges may be less visible but equally impactful. We are hopeful that this initiative could serve as a model for addressing rural educational inequity on a broader scale.

Sustaining the momentum: Action Tutoring in a post-NTP world

On 17th July, our final tutoring session funded by the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) took place for us here at Action Tutoring. We are now reflecting on the NTP’s significant impact on education in the UK, and for us as an organisation, and planning for the next stage of our development following its conclusion. We’ve often said that we were here long before the NTP and we’ll be here long afterwards. Disappointed as we are that it’s not continuing, that remains true! 

The birth and achievements of the NTP

In June 2020, Action Tutoring was asked by Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee at the time, to give live evidence to the Committee’s inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on education and children’s services. Our contribution played a significant role in the subsequent creation of the NTP. Its primary goal initially was to provide additional support to pupils, particularly those who were facing disadvantage, who were most affected by school closures. The programme’s reach was substantial: between November 2020 and May 2024, over 5.6 million tutoring courses were started nationwide.

There’s no doubt that such a number is a significant achievement and despite some of the implementation challenges of the NTP, it has clearly demonstrated that it is possible to roll out and deliver tutoring at scale nationwide. The potential of this should not be underestimated. 

Action Tutoring and the NTP

For Action Tutoring, the NTP has been transformative. It enabled us to:

1. Triple in size, expanding our reach to more pupils than ever before.
2. Implement virtual delivery methods, allowing us to continue supporting pupils even during lockdowns and in harder to reach locations. 
3. Become a truly national organisation, extending our services to areas previously beyond our reach, from Cumbria to Devon

We’ve reached more than 20,000 individual pupils since the NTP started. Some of these pupils took part over more than one academic year, and some benefited from tutoring in both English and maths. Collectively, these pupils received more than 248,000 tutoring sessions. In this time, approximately 69% of pupils we worked with were eligible for the Pupil Premium. We’re especially proud that although the Pupil Premium target for the NTP was disappointingly removed in the second year, we exceeded their original 65% target and have remained relentlessly focused on supporting pupils facing disadvantage.

Our advocacy for an extension

Having been at the forefront of calls for the introduction of the NTP, were then also at the forefront of efforts to extend the NTP, highlighting several crucial factors:

1. The attainment gap is now at its widest in a decade, emphasising the ongoing need for targeted support.
2. The educational needs that prompted the NTP’s creation have not disappeared.
3. Extremely robust evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of tutoring in improving educational outcomes. In fact, tutoring ranks among the best-evidenced interventions schools can use.
4. The sector has built up a huge amount of tutoring infrastructure and knowledge. The result was a working tutoring programme – undoing all of this would waste significant resources and expertise.

Looking ahead

We know that the public purse is under huge pressure, with challenging decisions being made and we know that the fiscal environment was a major factor in why the NTP hasn’t been extended. This is despite the many calls from the sector about the role it can play in tackling the attainment gap. However, while the NTP has ended, our mission continues. We’re hugely grateful that numerous funders have stepped in to support our work, recognising the ongoing need for educational support, and helping us keep costs low for schools.

We remain hopeful that over the next parliament, there will be a renewed commitment to funded tutoring for disadvantaged pupils. The positive impact of the NTP showed what’s possible when resources are directed towards closing the attainment gap. 

You can read more about the benefits teachers, pupils and education leads see in the Guardian article that Action Tutoring featured in earlier this month:

We plan to work with others in the sector to convene two reports to publish in early 2025, building on our tutoring advocacy work. One will look at lessons learnt from the NTP and the other will outline what a future tutoring policy could look like – watch this space! 

The end of the NTP marks a significant moment in UK education. At Action Tutoring, we’re committed to building on its legacy, continuing to provide vital support to pupils who need it most. We call on policymakers, educators, and communities to join us in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Celebrating Volunteers’ Week

This week, we’re celebrating 40 years of Volunteers’ Week to inspire more people to make a difference in their communities.

Be part of the week and join The Big Help Out

This year Volunteers’ Week will also lead up to The Big Help Out, from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June. The event will give people the chance to experience a range of volunteer taster sessions. 

Find out more about volunteering as a tutor by signing up to our Big Help Out online information session, below. 

Meet our vital volunteer tutors

We chatted to some of this year’s Action Tutoring volunteer award winners to find out more about why they value volunteering.

Action Tutoring volunteer, Steve.

Steve is one of our many invaluable volunteer tutors. As an Action Tutoring Volunteer Awards 2024 winner, he knows first-hand the power of giving back. 

“I love the occasions when a pupil makes a connection or suddenly understands a concept,” Steve says. 

Action Tutoring volunteer tutor, Laura.

Laura feels similarly. A fellow volunteer award winner, Laura’s desire to become a teacher led her to join Action Tutoring as a volunteer tutor. 

A charity which supports pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds with their English and maths education, Laura was eager to sign up. 

“Action Tutoring’s values really align with mine as they aim to help every pupil who needs support,” Laura says.

“By volunteering, I enjoy knowing how much of a difference being a tutor can make for pupils.”

Action Tutoring volunteer tutor, Claire.

Claire certainly recognises the need to give pupils “a bit of extra support”, particularly during times of global change. Retiring early from banking just as Covid arrived, she was inspired to become a volunteer tutor to support children affected.

“I felt some children were disadvantaged by the lockdown and I wanted to do something to help,” Claire says.

“Volunteering with Action Tutoring was the perfect opportunity.”

Action Tutoring volunteer, Heather.

Heather also knows how volunteering as a tutor really matters. Currently a medical research scientist, her maths and literacy passion was also another motivating factor in her joining Action Tutoring. 

“The small skills learnt and continued practice soon add up to increase pupils’ knowledge enormously,” Heather says. 

“By volunteering, pupils benefit from this special session time to focus on learning in a way which works for them.”

Steve, Laura, Claire and Heather were chosen as Action Tutoring Volunteer Awards 2024 winners for going above and beyond. Put forward by our programme coordinators, they have completed more than 300 tutoring sessions between them since 2022. 

So what keeps them motivated to volunteer so often and for so long?

Steve, who recently retired from being a manager in engineering, adds: “It seems harder than ever for young people to find their way in life. 

“So I wanted to continue helping in some way and by volunteering, seeing the light of understanding in a pupil’s eyes is the most rewarding feeling of all.” 

Laura, who enjoys reading, walking and music in her spare time, adds: “I’ve had many volunteer tutor highlights. 

“I love making the sessions as enjoyable as possible for all. 

“Seeing the pupils get involved in sessions after they’d sometimes initially doubted themselves, makes me smile and want to volunteer.”

Heather, who is currently based in Oxford, adds: “I have a passion for supporting children to fulfil their potential in life. 

“By volunteering, you see how the children develop in confidence over time and work together in a supportive team.” 

And what about Claire, who has tutored more than 100 sessions since volunteering with Action Tutoring last year? 

“I love getting to know the children and showing them learning can be fun,” Claire says. 

“I love volunteering because if I can give young people that bit of extra support, it feels very satisfying; win win.”

Volunteers Week 2024 – three ways you can get involved

Every year in June the UK comes together to celebrate the incredible contribution of volunteers in our communities. Volunteers’ Week 2024 takes place from 1st to 7th June. Among other things, it’s a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to the amazing people who give their time and energy to make a difference.

Who are volunteers?

Volunteers are our neighbours, friends, and family members who give their time to causes they care about. They come from all walks of life and all ages, and they contribute to our communities in countless ways. Here’s a breakdown of Action Tutoring volunteers occupations out of those who applied in 2023:

Surprised to see such a mix? You’re not alone. Many see volunteering as something you do as a student to build your CV, or in retirement to get involved with your community. But many from other occupations volunteer, too. Employers value volunteering for a multitude of reasons, as it benefits both the employee and the organisation in terms of skills development, and it shows the company as being socially responsible and caring of the community in which they operate.

Why is Volunteers’ Week important?

Volunteers’ Week is important because it gives us a chance to:

• Say thank you: It’s a chance to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who give their time so generously. 
• Raise awareness: It’s a chance to raise awareness of the vital role that volunteers play in our communities.
• Inspire others: It’s a chance to inspire more people to get involved in volunteering. There are so many ways to make a difference in your community, or further afield, and Volunteers’ Week is a great time to start.

So, how can I get involved?

There are many ways to get involved in Volunteers’ Week, whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or you’re thinking about volunteering for the first time. Here are our top three:

1. Share your volunteering story.

If you’re a volunteer, share your story on social media using the hashtag #VolunteersWeek and tag the charity. Social media is an important tool for charities to reach new volunteers and spread awareness. Your story could inspire someone else to volunteer, donate or fundraise. 

2. Attend a Volunteers’ Week event: 

There are hundreds of events happening across the UK throughout Volunteers’ Week, from volunteer recruitment fairs to celebration events. Closer to the time, search for events near you to find out how you can get involved.

3. Find a volunteering opportunity: 

If you’re interested in volunteering, there are many websites and organisations that can help you find an opportunity that’s right for you, like Do-It or Charity Job. You could also find your local volunteer centre.

If you’re interested in volunteering as a tutor for an hour a week, click the button below to find out more.

Our volunteer stories

“Tutoring is one of the few things I do that gives me real satisfaction, enjoyment, and self-fulfilment. It’s very rewarding to be able to give something back to your community.”

Youcef, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at TFL

Read Youcef’s story.

“Online tutoring is great because it enables so many more tutors to help – you literally can give one hour a week. And if you’re doing other exciting things in your life, you can actually do it from different places, as long as you’ve got a laptop with you.”

Sally, retired optometrist

Read Sally’s story

“In terms of resources for classes, I had never written a class resource, I had no idea where to start. So having the workbooks that we’re all working with, and having them all every week with the templates was great, because it meant I was able to participate [alongside my studies]. In terms of time consumption, it would just take me half an hour to read over answers and read over the lesson plan before going into the session.”

Eilidh, student at the University of Aberdeen

Read Eilidh’s story

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and learn more about Volunteers’ Week. We hope we’ve inspired you to get involved in some way!

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• Volunteers’ Week website: https://volunteersweek.org/
• Volunteering England website: https://www.gov.uk/volunteering

How a former pupil and teacher reunited through volunteer tutoring

An unexpected reunion between a former pupil and a revered teacher made possible by a shared passion for education.

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In the vibrant city of Bristol, Gemma Ray, a finance compliance officer and volunteer with Action Tutoring, arrived at the bar to join other volunteers for a socials quiz. After a busy academic term of supporting young people in local schools to improve their knowledge and confidence, our volunteers converged at the riverside hangout, in high spirits to connect, share experiences, and face off in teams for the games.

Just before the line-up of activities began, Gemma was greeted by a familiar yet unexpected face, jogging her memory from about 12 years ago. It was Andrew Fagan, her further mathematics teacher from North Bristol Post 16 centre, Cotham and Redland.

“I didn’t recognise him at first when he said hello, as it had been a very long time, but he still looked just as he did back then. I was surprised he recognised me after all this time and with so many students.”

Crossing paths with Andrew at the socials stirred sentiments of nostalgia and appreciation. Gemma recalled a crucial algorithmic error in grading that was rectified through Andrew’s guidance, which ensured her rightful admission to Bristol University.

“It was actually between Mr. Fagan and another teacher, Mr Williams, that I learned about the algorithm which calculated the A level grades for maths and further maths when you did both of these together at the time. It is only because of this knowledge that I was able to set the record straight and secure my place at the university in 2011.”

A deep love for maths

For Gemma, mathematics has always been more than calculations; it has been a lifelong passion – one she pursued ardently despite societal perceptions.

“I always loved maths from a young age, choosing to do it in my free time at home and in my ‘golden time’ at primary school. This was not seen as ‘cool’ so I have some experience of bullying and can relate to that. I did my maths GCSE one year early as recommended by my secondary school and I always wanted to do maths at university as there was no other logical option for me at the time. I graduated with first-class honours in 2014.”

However, Gemma admitted some level of struggle in maths during her sixth-form year, empathising with how underperforming pupils feel about mathematical concepts they find difficult to grasp.

“In my second year of 6th form, there were only two of us left doing further maths with the others having dropped out after or during the first year. The other student who carried on did not always attend the lessons so it was a bit like having a personal tutor for further maths, which was very beneficial as it was quite a bit more difficult than the ordinary maths A level, and I admit that I found it quite hard at times.”

Like many of the pupils that Action Tutoring supports who are identified by their schools as being at risk of not meeting expected standards in their finals, Gemma had a fleeting experience of that moment in maths.

“One time, I had 2 mock exams on the same day so I chose to revise for one and not the other. If it had been the real test, I would have failed the further maths that day. I remember Andrew being shocked and maybe a little bit worried for me, but all was well in the real exam at the end.”

The journey of volunteering

As the world grappled with pandemic lockdowns, Gemma’s employer, DAC Beachcroft, embraced flexibility and encouraged staff to engage in community projects including volunteering as tutors with Action Tutoring. Fuelled by her passion for mathematics and a desire to support young people struggling with the subject, Gemma signed up to volunteer with Action Tutoring in November 2022 to support young people struggling with maths in Bristol schools.

“I have enjoyed the programme so far. It is nice to know that you are making a difference to individuals who may need extra support. They are so engaged and ready to learn. You find that your mindset changes, you become more patient and you start to see the problems from their point of view.”

Conquering fears

Gemma said one of her fears before starting tutoring was the phobia of making mistakes in a session with pupils. However, tutoring has since helped her to confront that anxiety and not worry about making mistakes and correcting them.

“You also learn not to worry about making any mistakes because if you do make any silly mistakes, it will only cement in their minds that mistakes are okay and that they are only a normal part of life – and that adults make mistakes too.”

The power of volunteer tutoring

Through this volunteer initiative, Gemma discovered the transformative power of tutoring and mentoring young people and the need for additional education support, especially for disadvantaged students.

“Many disadvantaged students would benefit from more one-on-one tutoring, and as we all know this is not always possible with the teacher in the classroom themselves, because they are only one person and the workforce is stretched thin with very large class sizes in some schools now.”

Gemma also emphasised the accessibility of tutoring, urging others to contribute, and highlighting the impact even minimal commitments can have on a child’s educational journey. Inspiring others to embrace tutoring, Gemma reflected on the gratification derived from witnessing pupils eagerly engaging with content in the session templates and interactive learning methods.

“You can simply tutor online from the comfort of your own home with no travel time. You spend as little as 70 minutes out of your working day. You do not need to commit very long term. Know that every session you do will count and will make a small difference in a child’s educational journey. You do not need a lot of experience to be a tutor.”

Gemma’s story is a testament to the enduring bond between teachers and students, the transformative power of education, and the rewarding spirit of giving back. As she continues her tutoring journey, she stands as a beacon, inspiring others to bridge the academic attainment gap and shape brighter futures for disadvantaged young people, one session at a time.

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