The Tutor Trust and University of Salford go back to school

The University has joined forces with the award-winning educational charity The Tutor Trust to encourage undergraduates to deliver tuition to Year 6 pupils from Salford, as they get ready to move into secondary school.

The University already has a strong track record of working with young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods to access further and higher education and work-based training, through its close involvement with IntoUniversity.

The Higher Education Policy Institute’s (HEPI) 2024 Social Mobility Index recently ranked Salford the fifth best in England for supporting young people to accomplish their dreams.

The university’s work with the Tutor Trust builds on that firm foundation, matching students from the university to tutor pupils in Salford schools to improve attainment and inspire a new generation of university applicants.

Vice-Chancellor Nic Beech said that the University’s work with the Tutor Trust is central to one of the institution’s core aims, which is to support social mobility both for its students and local communities. “We are delighted to be partnering with the Tutor Trust to pilot this programme in Salford. As a university we wish to enrich lives and help people from all backgrounds achieve their academic and career ambitions, and this work with the Tutor Trust is very much a part of that vision,” he said.

Picture caption: Tutor Trust helper supporting Year 5 pupils in Salford 

The University of Salford is aiming to reach 400 young people in Salford in its first year of activity with the Trust, helping pupils bolster their skills to attain higher grades in maths and English. Undergraduates signing up will themselves benefit, by receiving training and getting paid to deliver high-quality tuition.

Ed Marsh, CEO of Tutor Trust said: “We are delighted that University of Salford students will be tutoring in schools across Salford, inspiring hundreds of pupils. We know how much our tutees value support from tutors who come from similar backgrounds to them, and, equally, how rewarding our tutors find it. Students will not only provide valuable, high-quality tuition to local pupils but will act as role models for them too. This partnership is a win-win for everyone taking part.”

Lynne Barrow is Director of Student Recruitment at the University’s Business School and is leading on delivering the partnership.  “I am honoured and proud to lead this initiative, which will support local primary school pupils who would not otherwise have the means to afford private tutors. It will help reduce educational inequalities, and at the same time we’ll be helping our own students develop their skills, gain confidence and be paid for work they love. We are very proud to have established a Student Tutor Leadership Team and anticipate tutoring will become another means of improving the social mobility and graduate outcomes for our students. We can’t wait for tutoring to commence.”

The scheme will be delivered at minimal cost to schools in Salford, thanks to a generous donation from Richard Donner and the Harrington Foundation who are keen to support the University of Salford’s extensive work supporting local children and raising aspirations in the community.