Academic Mentoring Programme: Responsibilities and performance management

Frequently Asked Questions

What work can the academic mentor do?

Your school can decide how best to allocate their responsibility in school; however academic mentors should not be used as additional teaching assistants or learning support staff in the general classroom​. Their focus should be on providing small group and one to one intervention.

Can one mentor cover more than one subject? (e.g. Primary numeracy & literacy OR secondary Maths & Science)

Mentors will be trained in one subject specialism to allow high quality training, and schools should request a mentor for a subject where their pupils need the greatest support. Additional subject tutoring may be negotiated between the school and the mentor, with the support of the Teach First Curriculum & Training Lead; however, Teach First recommends that the mentor tutors the subject they are trained in only.

How many pupils does a mentor have to work with / is allowed to work with?

The mentor will work in the school full-time (or on an 80% FTC contract). The mentor will need to work with at least 50 pupils over the course of their employment.

How many pupils can the mentors support at once?

The exact number can be determined with the classroom teacher and will depend on your own COVID-19 related school policies and government guidance, but a mentor’s focus should be on providing small group and one to one tutoring.

What pupil age range can an academic mentor work with?

Academic mentors can work with any pupils between the ages of five and sixteen.

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Who is responsible for managing the performance of the academic mentor?

As the mentor is employed directly by the school, they are subject to the school's HR/Disciplinary policies. However, if there is an issue is to do with underperformance, the Teach First Curriculum & Training Leads will be able to provide support and guidance to mentors. Academic Mentors will be supported by Curriculum Training Leads at Teach First and by a line manager at your school.

For more information on the Academic Mentoring Programme, return to the directory.

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please contact academicmentoring@teachfirst.org.uk.