Wood Green Academy

WEDNESBURY, WEST MIDLANDS

The teachers at Wood Green Academy were keen to make the most of the National Tutoring Programme, as their school has a high number of disadvantaged students.

It is a large secondary school, situated in an urban area in Wednesbury. Its student body includes 22% FSM, 30% PP and 12% SEN students.

Why tutoring?

We understand the value of face-to-face, high-quality tutoring, so we thought it was important to take advantage of the NTP. It would enable us to support disadvantaged students who had fallen behind during lockdown.

We were looking for support on CORE subjects, Pearson’s tutoring specifically offers that. This was coupled with the provider’s well-known reputation and the fact that our school has used Pearson exam boards before.

How has COVID affected your students?

Some of our students have been keen to get back to school whereas others seem more withdrawn from their studies. They have struggled with the return to school because they are aware that they are behind with their learning.

How did you select students?

We chose pupils that would engage well, understand the commitment and benefit from the extra subject focus.

How have the sessions been going?

The sessions have gone well. There is a good level of enthusiasm from the children and they are enjoying themselves in the sessions. Their confidence has grown, which should show through in their classes.

"The sessions have gone well. There is a good level of enthusiasm from the children and they are enjoying themselves in the sessions."

"The standard of teaching is very good."

— Hope Merritt, Teacher