Being an academic mentor with the National Tutoring Programme: your questions answered

What is an academic mentor?

An academic mentor is a tutor who works to support pupils whose learning has been most impacted by the Covid pandemic to reach their full academic potential and grow their confidence. They can tutor a range of age groups in a range of subjects (sometimes more than one), such as:

• primary literacy
• numeracy
• science
• secondary English
• humanities
• maths
• modern foreign languages.

What will I do as academic mentor?

Your typical responsibilities will include:

• collaborating with your school’s senior leadership team to provide 12 to 15-hour blocks of tuition, developing bespoke support plans for individual pupils and small groups of pupils
• delivering effective and engaging sessions tailored to pupils’ specific needs
• tracking your progress (through measurable outcomes).

Will I be valued?

Academic mentors help to give students the understanding and confidence they need to flourish. Teachers, parents and students all benefit from and therefore value academic mentors highly. Ryan Mugera, a current academic mentor, comments: ‘Mentoring students has had a tremendous impact on their approaches to learning. This is seen with increased growth in their confidence and engagement levels not only in class but with their peers in and around the school.’

Helen Carter, Deputy Headteacher at Burnage Academy for Boys, a school that currently employs academic mentors, comments, ‘We have found it really useful in supporting our pupils in addressing those gaps where a lesson might be going too quickly for a pupil who isn't as confident. The Academic Mentors are really well placed to ensure work can be consolidated, that it can be fully understood before that pupil re-engages with that lesson.’

What support and training will I get?

As standard you will receive:

•  online training before you start tutoring from Education Development Trust covering a range of learning units, including: EDI – Promoting Diversity, Motivating Learners and SEND – Putting Theory into Practice.
• access to resources and professional development covering topics including mental health, work/life balance, and the method and practice of tutoring.

You’ll also find that the teachers at the school where you’re placed, and alongside whom you’ll be working, are very supportive of the academic mentors.

Why should I become an academic mentor?

Being able to help other people and improve their chances of success is an incredible experience. ‘I was inspired to become an Academic Mentor because I wanted to help young people and the next generation of students to succeed in their educational studies and in their personal life goals,’ says Ryan. You will also develop skills that will be useful throughout your career, whatever you decide to do (see below).

What skills will I develop as an academic mentor?

Ryan points out that academic mentoring is a great starting point to working in a schooling environment, helping you to develop key skills that will serve you well if you decide to become a teacher. If you decide to move on after a year of academic mentoring to a different job, you’ll have picked up some great transferable skills that will boost your employability and look great on your CV; we’ve got more information on how being an academic mentor can boost your employability skills. 

What qualifications do I need to become an academic mentor?

To apply for a role as an Academic Mentor, you’ll need:

• a minimum of three A levels at A*-C grade (or equivalent)
• a minimum of a grade C (level 4 equivalent) in GCSE English and Maths
• the right to work in the UK.

What experience will recruiters be looking for?

Employers are not looking for any particular experience. If you’ve got no previous teaching or tutoring experience, that’s absolutely fine as you’ll receive all the training you need to get you up to scratch – enthusiasm and a real interest in helping young people reach their potential are much more important.

When should I apply?

You should consider applying as soon as possible in order to be matched with the best school for you.

What is the salary for academic mentors?

The remuneration for the full-time role is £19,000 to £21,000. Part-time options may be available if they suit you and the school.