On 17th July, Action Tutoring held its final session under the National Tutoring Programme (NTP). As we look back on the profound impact the NTP has had on education in the UK, and on our organisation, we’re also planning for the next chapter of our journey post-NTP. We’ve always maintained that we existed before the NTP and will continue to do so. While we’re disappointed that the programme isn’t continuing, our commitment remains unwavering!

The Genesis & Accomplishments Of The NTP

In June 2020, Robert Halfon MP, then Chair of the House of Commons Education Select Committee, invited Action Tutoring to provide live evidence during the inquiry into the effects of Covid-19 on education and children’s services. Our insights contributed significantly to the creation of the NTP. Initially, the programme aimed to offer extra support to pupils, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, who were most affected by school closures. From November 2020 to May 2024, over 5.6 million tutoring sessions were initiated nationwide.

[VIEW THE GOVERNMENT’S NTP STATISTICS]

These numbers represent a remarkable achievement. Despite facing some challenges in implementation, the NTP demonstrated the feasibility of delivering large-scale tutoring across the country. The implications of this are substantial.

Action Tutoring’s Journey With The NTP

The NTP has been a game-changer for Action Tutoring, allowing us to:

• Expand significantly, reaching more young people than ever.
• Adopt virtual delivery, ensuring support even during lockdowns and in remote areas.
• Become a truly national presence, extending our reach from Cumbria to Devon.

Since the NTP began, we have supported over 20,000 individual pupils, with some participating in multiple academic years and subjects. These pupils collectively received over 248,000 tutoring sessions. Approximately 69% of them were eligible for the Pupil Premium. Despite the removal of the Pupil Premium target in the NTP’s second year, we exceeded the original target of 65%, staying focused on supporting disadvantaged pupils.

Hear our tutors and students share their experiences with our tutoring programme.

Our Advocacy For The NTP’s Continuation

Having initially advocated for the NTP’s introduction, we also led the campaign for its extension, highlighting several key points:

• The attainment gap is at its widest in a decade, underscoring the need for continued targeted support.
• The educational challenges that led to the NTP’s creation persist.
• Tutoring has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in enhancing educational outcomes, ranking among the best interventions available to schools.
• The sector has developed a substantial infrastructure and expertise in tutoring. Dismantling this would result in a significant loss of resources and knowledge.

Looking To The Future

We understand the financial constraints facing the public sector, which played a significant role in the NTP’s discontinuation, despite widespread support for its benefits in addressing the attainment gap. Nevertheless, our mission endures. We’re grateful to our funders who recognise the ongoing need for educational support and are helping us keep costs manageable for schools.

We remain optimistic that future parliaments will renew their commitment to funding tutoring for young people facing disadvantage. The positive outcomes of the NTP have shown the potential of focused resources in closing the attainment gap.

You can read more about the insights from teachers, pupils, and educational leaders in the Guardian article featuring Action Tutoring earlier this month:

[READ THE ARTICLE HERE]

Looking ahead, we plan to collaborate with sector partners on two reports, to be released in early 2025. One report will reflect on the lessons learned from the NTP, while the other will propose a vision for future tutoring policies—stay tuned!

The conclusion of the NTP is a pivotal moment in UK education. At Action Tutoring, we are determined to build on its legacy, continuing to support students who need it most. We urge policymakers, educators, and communities to join us in ensuring every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Thank you Action Tutoring for sharing this insightful blog, if you are a teacher and want to know more about the impactful work Action Tutoring undertake, please click the links below:

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