Academic Mentoring Programme: Working hours

If you're a candidate want to find out more about working hours, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can academic mentors work flexible hours to provide after-school sessions?

Yes. As a full-time employee, working 35-40 hours a week, mentors would be able to cover after-school hours. This would need to be agreed in negotiation with your academic mentor. Schools are expected to provide reasonable working conditions.

Are academic mentors full-time? Can I request a part-time academic mentor?

Mentors are employed on a full-time basis, with flexibility to work at 0.8 FTE.

What are the working hours of an academic mentor?

We would expect a full-time employee to work 35-40 hours a week.

Are mentors full-time in school or do I need to release them for any training?

Mentors would be expected work between 35-40 hours. They will need to attend a two-week training course before they start in schools and will be paid during this training. They will need to attend additional, short (c. 1-2 hours) training each month. 

Are academic mentors required to work on school INSET days?

 Academic mentors should work all the days required as per their full-time or 0.8 FTE contract with your school. 

Can academic mentors work during the holidays e.g. if my school runs a holiday club?

Your mentor would be able to work over the holidays. Any holiday employment should be negotiated in advance with your academic mentor. Your school will need to ensure that the mentor receives holiday allowance in line with employee conditions. 

Can mentors cover break and lunch duties, and will they be paid for a lunch hour?

Academic mentors should not usually be expected to cover break and lunch duties. Mentors should not be deployed to relieve teachers from break or lunch duties.

If they are paid as a full-time employee then they should have the standard hours of a normal full-time employee in school – assuming this usually covers a lunch break, then this would be the case for an academic mentor.

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.