Best Practice

Using mentoring to raise student aspirations

Pastoral issues Pupil wellbeing Careers guidance Higher education
The Brightside mentoring programme helps to raise students’ aspirations when it comes to careers and higher education. One of its early supporters was Imperial College London, which still embraces the vital role of mentoring today. Annalisa Alexander expl

It has long been understood that peer-tutoring is a hugely beneficial way to encourage and support pupils who need an extra boost.

The rationale behind choosing which pupils should be put forward for support has historically been very much dependant on the teachers’ perspective, but now it is becoming more clear that pupils are taking control of their educational aspirations and seeking mentoring support on their own.

There are a variety of opportunities that they can tap into either through their own online research or through prompting by teaching professionals within their school setting. 

Seeking mentoring support from university undergraduates is one such way that I have seen pupils not only increase their aspirations but also reap the more tangible benefits of actually raising their academic attainment as a result of the support and guidance they are receiving.

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here