We operate under a safe space policy which ensures our opportunities are welcoming to all and reinforces our zero tolerance for any forms of discrimination, bullying and/or harassment.

We are no longer accepting applications for this academic year. However, our applications will reopen in August for the academic year 23-24. You can register your interest for our projects here!

Tutor in Schools, Community Clubs and Libraries to help pupils reach their highest potential, whilst you gain leadership, communication, teamwork skills and more!

What is Schools Plus

Schools Plus is a national Student Hubs programme. It aims to tackle educational disadvantage by sending University students to schools, community clubs and libraries across London which are in need of the extra support. You get the choice of what type of project and subject you would like to tutor in (depending on availability). Examples of these types of placements in action are supporting a primary school teacher in their science lesson (teacher-led project), planning and leading your own lesson for secondary school or A-level students (tutor-led), or supporting a group of students with their homework at an after-school club.

Volunteer commitment

We expect 1-2 hours a week of volunteering including a preparation for the session. You will have a chance to learn more about the programme and confirm your project (including the timing) during a Selection Workshop you will be invited to after filling out the application form. We expect to run sessions from Monday to Friday, usually in the late afternoons/early evenings, but there is a possibility of volunteering on weekend or at a different timing if that's your only availability. Please, speak to the person running the project if that's the case - we hope to provide the best volunteering experience to all students and provide accessible options wherever possible.

Skills and employability

Communication, empathy, dedication, safeguarding, leadership, working with children with complex needs, pastoral support of children, flexibility, time management and school liaison are all skills you can gain by taking part in Schools Plus. This volunteering opportunity is excellent for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the society or is exploring a career in education/youth work.

Upon the successful completion of the project you will receive:

Training and support

All of the programmes are supported by our staff team and student committee. As part of Schools Plus, you will be supported by the Schools Plus Project Coordinator and the Kingston Hub Projects officer.

The Coordinator and staff team will be leading on your selection workshop, initial training and additional training provision (behaviour management, routes into education etc.) throughout your placement. The staff team will be in touch with you to get mid-year and end of year feedback, as well as case study material, which is required from all volunteers.

Reasonable adjustments

Schools Plus is committed to being an inclusive programme, and encourages all students to get involved. We can make reasonable adjustments to application processes, selection workshops, training sessions, your volunteering placement, and other activities on a case-by-case basis. We also provide an ongoing support for the students we work with, so if you have particular accessibility needs, including if you want to disclose a disability or special educational needs, please do get in touch with Emily at emily.hill@kingstonhub.org and let us know how we can make the activity more accessible.

Volunteering with Schools Plus won't cost you

We reimburse all Kingston Hub volunteers' travel expenses throughout the project (applicable for in-person volunteerng only).

Why not volunteer with a friend?

Volunteering for Kingston Hub is social, and you'll have the chance to meet many like-minded people, but why not ask a friend to sign up with you too?

What are the next steps

1. Fill in the Application Form telling us why you would like to be involved.
2. Complete 1 hour selection workshop where you will have a chance to ask questions and confirm your project.
3. Complete interactive online training.
4. Spend 1 session per week from November until the end of March making an impact, developing skills and experience, meeting new people and having fun! You can continue your journey into the third term if you wish!
5. Receive a certificate of participation at the end of the programme.

The Kingston Award helps you to build, identify and reflect on the skills you develop when you get involved in different activities so that you can confidently communicate these to future employers and stand out in the job market. Taking part in Kingston Hub volunteering helps you build your Kingston Award – why not submit your reflections and boost your employability right away. We strongly encourage applications from BAME individuals and other under-represented groups.

Questions

Email emily.hill@kingstonhub.org who will be able to answer any questions and direct you for any further help and support. You can also check out other youth projects over on our What's On Page