FAQs
Answers to commonly asked questions about becoming an Academic Mentor 2022-2023
Have a question about the National Tutoring Programme that you can’t see below? Please contact us and a member of our team will be in touch.
Academic Mentors work closely with individuals and small groups in primary and secondary schools, offering tutoring across a range of subjects and ages. As an Academic Mentor, you’ll be working as part of the wider school team, developing and delivering bespoke support plans to enable pupils to achieve their academic goals. You can learn more about the role here.
In order to become an Academic Mentor, you’ll need:
Minimum of three A-levels at A*-C grade (or equivalent)
Minimum of a C / grade 4 in GCSE English and maths
The right to work in the UK
Our 5-step recruitment process is as follows:
Register your details
Live 1:1 video interview
Screening
Matching
Training & Placement
You can view the full application process here.
Academic Mentors offer tutoring across a wide range of subjects from Key Stage 1 - 4 (ages 5 - 16). You will be asked to specify your age range (i.e., primary or secondary) and your subject preferences when completing the application form for the role. You will have the opportunity to discuss your preferences in more detail during the 1:1 video interview stage.
All Academic Mentors will complete a fully funded online training course with Education Development Trust covering a range of learning units, including: EDI – Promoting Diversity, Motivating Learners and SEND – Putting Theory into Practice. The course will last between 8 and 14 hours, depending on whether or not you have achieved QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). This training can be completed at your own pace and will ensure that you are prepared to confidently step into your new role and start making a difference in the lives of pupils from your very first day.
No. It’s not necessary to have previous experience in education. The Academic Mentor Training Course has two pathways, Non-QTS and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) Pathway. While it can be beneficial to have classroom experience, it’s not a requirement and our fully funded training will ensure that you have all the knowledge you need before starting your placement. For those interested in gaining experience in the education sector, the Academic Mentor role gives a great insight into teaching and could help support future applications for teacher training.
While exact salary is based on experience, you can expect to earn a minimum of £19,000 - £21,000 as an Academic Mentor. Any additional benefits (enhanced pension payments, holidays, sickness pay, etc.) will be dependent on the contract you have in place with your school.
We will match you to a school based on the preferences that you have indicated in your application form and any further discussions with our recruitment team. Please note that you will be expected to commute for up to 1 hour from your home address to reach your placement school.
We will arrange an interview between you and the school you will be placed in prior to you starting work. This interview may be conducted over the phone, via an online interview, or in person at the school. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have during this call, including requesting a visit to the school if you have not yet had the opportunity to visit them.
Yes, support is available for all Academic Mentors throughout their placements, including access to bespoke webinars focused on topics such as wellness, pedagogy, and managing stress in the workplace. You will also be assigned an in-school mentor to support you in your new role.