Tutoring scheme for low-income families expanding across the East End

Action Tutoring is expanding into East London. Photograph: Action Tutoring

Private tutoring is a booming industry but for those from low-income families, it’s simply not an option.

However, as education charity Action Tutoring expands eastwards across the capital, the benefits of such tutoring are becoming more widely available.

Volunteer tutors from Action Tutoring are visiting local schools, aiming to give a boost to GCSE pupils studying English, Maths and Science.

The charity is currently working with Cardinal Pole School in Hackney and four schools in Tower Hamlets.

James Mason, Volunteer Recruitment Manager of Action Tutoring, said: “Our aim is to try and reduce educational inequality by providing tuition to those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it.”

Volunteers and pupils are carefully matched within each partner school.

To qualify for the scheme, schools must have at least twice the national average of pupils eligible for free school meals.

“We are still fairly new to the Hackney area and it would be fantastic if we could have a similar impact as we expand,” said Mr Mason.

The charity is looking to build relationships with more partner schools, as well as their growing network of volunteers.

Last year, around 70 per cent of the charity’s pupils went on to achieve the target grade of a ‘C’ in their chosen subject.

If you are interested in volunteering for Action Tutoring, contact james@actiontutoring.org.uk