Our City Year Mentors make a difference both to pupils who need help most, and to the whole school. We can see the change in the numbers we record but we also hear about it - from pupils, parents, teachers and Ofsted.
Focus on the ABCs
In partnership with teachers, our City Year Mentors concentrate on reducing 'early warning indicators' that place pupils at increased risk of not meeting their potential: low Attendance, poor Behaviour and failure to make Curriculum progress in maths and English. Our volunteers track their focus list pupils against these 'ABCs'.
“The impact on literally hundreds of our pupils has been massive – whether that be in their attendance, behaviour, academic progress or general outlook. The case studies and real life examples of improvement are there for all to see. I would heartily recommend City Year to any secondary school."
Deputy Head Secondary School, Birmingham
Reducing early warning indicators
Attendance
56% improved their attendance and 72% were more punctual.
“We like to come early to school to see the lovely City Years.” Primary school pupil
Behaviour
42% maintained or improved their behaviour.
“Before you ran Breakfast Club I was always angry, but since you have been here and keep asking how I am doing, I feel better. Thank you so much; I don’t know what I would do without you.” Secondary school pupil
Curriculum
Despite academic barriers, 51% progressed in English or maths.
“City Years make learning easier and make me learn a lot more… They explain stuff clearly and they really, really help by doing that and then I get it!” Secondary school pupil
"My son finds it hard to link with adults. Having someone who is only a few years older than him, that he respects and wants to please, has made the biggest difference to his attitude and behaviour towards learning. I have called the school many times to say how great his 'City Year' is."
Mum Of Year 8 pupil
Impact on the whole school
Our teacher surveys show that City Year Mentors have an impact beyond their focus list pupils - helping pupils enjoy school, engage with lessons and build positive relationships with their peers. City Year Mentors run a wide range of extra-curricular clubs attended by thousands of pupils over a year. They offer children from across the school the opportunity to give something a go, develop new interests and gain confidence.
Whole school snapshot
83%
of teachers
Said that City Year helped pupils enjoy school more at their Primary
79%
of teachers
Said that City Year helped pupils engage better with school work at their Primary
200+
clubs
Run by City Year Mentors in a typical year. That's over 10 clubs per school
4,700+
pupils
Access City Year clubs or initiatives in a typical year
“City Year Mentors bring with them enthusiasm and energy, which is infectious throughout the school. Their drive and commitment leads to new initiatives starting and their youthful outlook breathes new life into old routines. They forge meaningful relationships with our children."
SENCO Primary School, Greater Manchester
What Ofsted says
City Year UK has had many Ofsted mentions since it launched - all positive. You can find many of them in our annual reports but below are two of our most recent.
“[City Year Mentors] support pupils exceptionally well. They work closely with teachers to make sure that all pupils make very good progress.... This enables lesson time to be used effectively for all groups of pupils.”
Sebright Primary
City of London Academy
“This is a school where ‘no child is left behind’.... Pupils... make very good progress because of the ‘wrap-around care’ they are given.... [City Year Mentors] work closely with teachers to provide exceptional support in lessons...”
City of London Academy
“City Year has made a change to our school. Now everyone is happier and lots more people are smiling. Yay!”
