SECONDARY NEWS
Lumina Tutoring calls for volunteer teachers to join ‘GCSE Support Squad’
As thousands of young people across the country receive their GCSE results, one group remains at serious risk of being left behind: children in care. Lumina Tutoring is calling on qualified teachers to join its ‘GCSE Support Squad’ – a nationwide drive to ‘change one grade, change one life’ by providing targeted tutoring to care-experienced pupils who didn’t get the grades they needed, or who need a stronger foundation for future success. “Based on previous outcomes over recent years, we know that sadly a significant number of children in care will be disappointed with their GCSE results”, says Gitanjali Bhattacharya, Director of Lumina Tutoring.
“For those who don’t make the grade, it too often reinforces a message of low expectations, and we refuse to accept that,” she adds.
Although national GCSE results have remained broadly steady over recent years, only a fraction of looked-after young people achieve a Grade 5 or above in English and Maths - a benchmark for solid progression in both education and employment. Gitanjali says: “There is still an opportunity to succeed and we know from running the Lumina programme that with help and support of a group of inspirational teachers volunteering their time, pupils
will be able to pass the next they attempt their GCSEs, whether that’s in late Autumn or next May. But to help them achieve this, we need the commitment of just 45-minutes a week from each volunteer teacher. It means that a lifetime’s worth of difference can be made.”
The Lumina Tutoring programme connects volunteer teachers with pupils in care who need additional support through one-to-one tutoring, delivered online, focused on building confidence and closing key gaps. The initiative has already seen powerful results. In schools across the UK, looked-after children supported by volunteer tutors are catching up with their peers and in many cases, surpassing expectations. “Giving young people who need it the most a second chance, and sometimes a first real shot at success, is exactly what our GCSE Support Squad is about,” adds Gitanjali.
As one participating school teacher put it: “The students that Lumina supports have been dealt some really difficult cards in life. Your help could make a difference in their academic progress and motivation levels. If you are able to, I would like to encourage you to volunteer with Lumina. I did, and it was one of the best decisions I have made this year.”
Record-breaking GCSE results for Reigate Grammar School students
Reigate Grammar School students are celebrating a record-breaking set of GCSE results, marking the school’s most successful results day ever. With a remarkable sweep of top grades, this cohort has set a new benchmark of academic achievement. An outstanding 90% of all grades awarded were at Grade 7 or above, with nearly three-quarters at the very top grades of 8 or 9. In most subjects, Grade 9 was the most frequently awarded mark, reflecting the depth of achievement across the curriculum. This year also saw more Grade 9’s than ever before and a record number of students achieving straight Grade 9s – a 66% increase on last year – an extraordinary accomplishment that places them among the highest-performing students nationally. Headmaster Shaun Fenton, OBE, commented: “These results are astonishing – but what makes them truly special is that they come from a community of young people who are kind, creative, resilient and inspirational. They have balanced their studies with music, sport, drama, thousands of hours of volunteering, supporting charities, Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations and developing as global citizens – and in the process they have become remarkable young people ready to take on the world.” As the students move into Sixth Form, joined by many new peers from local schools, they will enjoy the school’s award-winning Harrison Centre, a university standard facility serving as a bridge to world class universities – balancing academic excellence, fun and a rich co-curricular programme.
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www.education-today.co.uk September 2025
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