Some of the difference our volunteers make in school can be measured in numbers but some of it is best told in stories - from teachers, pupils and our volunteers themselves.
Back in 2013, a school leader in Birmingham saw the potential power of young people as near peer role models and tutors. They understood that if City Year's volunteers could connect with and coach pupils in and out of the classroom, to feel 'can do' and capable, children would excel.
“Not only was it perfect for the whole school but it reached those pupils in danger of missing out – who were underachieving and drifting away from educational achievement due to a range of social, emotional and academic reasons, often linked to social and economic disadvantage.”
Gordon Higginson One of the first school leaders to partner with City Year Birmingham and former Head of School Partnerships and Director of Service Excellence at City Year UK
Supporting pupils who need help most
As well as supporting high standards and aspirations across the whole school, each of our volunteers is responsible for a ‘focus list’. Early warning indicators have identified these pupils as at risk of not meeting their potential and they are likely to have been hit particularly hard by school closures in 2019-20. However, despite the impact of COVID-19, the available data shows that our volunteers were still able to make a difference.
“City Years can help you with your work and also have genuine concern. If you are upset and angry they can help you calm down easily and will talk to you about the problem.”
Secondary School Pupil West Midlands
Reducing early warning indicators with focus list pupils
Attendance
61% improved or maintained their attendance
60% improved or maintained their punctuality
Maths
68% improved or maintained their progress in maths
English
72% improved or maintained their progress in reading
70% improved or maintained their progress in writing
“I would recommend City Year UK to other schools without reservation - having them as part of our staffing body is an absolute no-brainer. Where else could I get seven aspirational young people, whose moral purpose is getting children to succeed.”
Executive Principal, Academies Trust The West Midlands
Interested in becoming a school partner?
Get in touch to find out more about the benefits of partnering with us.
