We’re committed to giving diverse young people the opportunity to tackle educational inequality here, in London, and to develop their own life and career skills at the same time.
Everyone’s City Year is unique to them but whichever school you’re placed in, you’ll be helping pupils to build the social, emotional and academic skills they need. If a pupil is struggling to keep up in class, you’ll give them extra support. If they’re lacking confidence, you’ll invite them to your after school club. If they have no one to talk to, you’ll be someone to turn to - who they know is there just for them.
Many of our volunteers tell us that City Year London is both the hardest and the most rewarding thing they’ve ever done. Every Monday to Thursday for a year, you’ll arrive at school early and stay late. That’s a big commitment but it gives you the time and the opportunity to see the incredible difference that you will make to pupils’ lives and your own.
You’ll be part of a team, led by a full-time City Year London member of staff who’s there to give you advice and support, manage your training and oversee the partnership with the school. Every volunteer also has their own mentor, whose professional background makes them an ideal sounding board and source of advice on career goals.
“From running breakfast and afterschool clubs, to supporting pupils in class, our small group of volunteers underscores the remarkable power of teamwork. We have used our energy and passion to inspire pupils to succeed; something that I, as an individual, could not have managed alone."
City Year Mentor London
Your development
When you spend a year helping pupils reveal their strengths, you’ll find that they’ll help you to reveal your own. But, City Year London isn’t just about your mentoring experience - every Friday is dedicated to you. Known as ‘leadership and development days’, you’ll cover tools and techniques that will help you in and out of the classroom, as well as career guidance.
During your City Year in London you’ll receive £125 living expenses a week, your uniform and all travel expenses reimbursed.
If you’re completing City Year as a university placement year, you’re still able to claim student finance. Please contact your university or Student Finance for more information.
Other useful resources, including information on Housing Benefits and Council Tax Reduction, can be found at Volunteer England and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Ready to apply?
This is the start of your journey - to support children who need help most and learn valuable skills for your own future. Our City Year London recruitment team would love to hear from you.
