As GCSEs loom on the horizon, keeping young people engaged with their education is crucial, especially if they are currently out of school. Whether facing personal challenges or navigating gaps in their education, there are numerous charities and resources dedicated to supporting students in Year 9, 10 and 11.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to organisations that can make a significant difference in helping students stay on track and excel in their studies.
Tutoring, Mentoring and Support
NSEMM Tutoring
What We Offer: At NSEMM, we are dedicated to empowering young people to achieve their full potential through comprehensive pay-what-you-can tutoring and mentoring services from expert tutors. Our programmes are specifically designed to support students aged 14 and above, particularly those preparing for their GCSEs, and we believe finances should be no barrier to getting the education that young people need. We can also provide loans for resources and textbooks if you have no access to them right now.
Website: NSEMM Tutoring
The Prince’s Trust
What They Offer: The Prince’s Trust provides invaluable support through various programmes aimed at young people dealing with educational or personal challenges. They offer tailored courses, skills training, and mentorship to help students build confidence and achieve their potential.
Website: The Prince’s Trust
Why It’s Great: Their holistic approach addresses both educational and personal development, making it a fantastic resource for students who need comprehensive support.
School-Home Support (SHS)
What They Offer: SHS helps bridge the gap between home and school for students who are struggling with attendance or educational engagement. They offer practical support to families and ensure students have access to the resources they need.
Website: School-Home Support
Why It’s Great: SHS focuses on removing barriers to education, providing both practical help and emotional support to ensure students can thrive academically.
YoungMinds
What They Offer: YoungMinds is dedicated to mental health support but also provides valuable resources for students facing educational difficulties. They offer guidance on managing stress and overcoming barriers to learning.
Website: YoungMinds
Why It’s Great: Addressing mental health is crucial for academic success. YoungMinds helps students and parents navigate these challenges effectively.
Self Study and Resources
BBC Bitesize
What They Offer: BBC Bitesize provides free online study resources tailored to the UK curriculum. With interactive lessons and revision tools, students can access high-quality educational content across a range of subjects.
Website: BBC Bitesize
Why It’s Great: The interactive format makes learning engaging and effective, ideal for students needing to keep up with their studies independently.
Oak National Academy
What They Offer: Oak National Academy offers a wealth of free online lessons and resources, covering various subjects and designed to support home learning.
Website: Oak National Academy
Why It’s Great: Their structured lessons and resources provide a comprehensive learning experience, perfect for supplementing or replacing traditional classroom education.
Seneca Learning
What They Offer: Seneca Learning provides interactive, free learning resources that align with the UK curriculum. Their platform is designed to make studying more engaging and effective.
Website: Seneca Learning
Why It’s Great: The interactive nature of Seneca’s resources helps keep students motivated and ensures they grasp key concepts effectively.
Khan Academy
What They Offer: Khan Academy offers a vast range of free educational content, including video lessons and practice exercises that complement the UK curriculum.
Website: Khan Academy
Why It’s Great: The global perspective and comprehensive content make it a valuable tool for reinforcing knowledge and preparing for exams.
StudyMind
What They Offer: Topic-based exam questions for GCSE and A-Level subjects that make studying specific topics easier.
Website: Study Mind
Why It’s Great: The global perspective and comprehensive content make it a valuable tool for reinforcing knowledge and preparing for exams.
Outwood Science
What They Offer: Outwood Science provides comprehensive science resources aimed at supporting students through their secondary education. Their platform includes detailed lesson plans, interactive resources, revision guides, and assessment tools to help students understand and apply scientific concepts.
Website: Outwood Science
Why It’s Great: With structured lessons and engaging materials, Outwood Science makes learning and revising science both effective and enjoyable, ensuring students are well-prepared for their exams.
MME Revise
What They Offer: MME Revise is an online platform dedicated to providing high-quality revision resources for GCSE and A-Level students. They offer comprehensive revision guides, practice papers, video tutorials, and interactive quizzes for subjects including maths, science, and English.
Website: MME Revise
Why It’s Great: The combination of detailed guides and interactive content helps students grasp difficult concepts and thoroughly prepare for their exams, all from the comfort of their home.
Tutor2U Resources
What They Offer: Tutor2U provides extensive resources to support students and teachers across a range of subjects. Their offerings include study notes, revision videos, exam technique advice, and live revision sessions with expert tutors.
Website: Tutor2U Resources
Why It’s Great: Tutor2U’s practical approach to learning, with concise notes and expert-led sessions, helps students build confidence and improve their exam performance.
Revision World
What They Offer: Revision World is a go-to site for students looking for revision help across various subjects. They provide subject-specific resources, revision timetables, interactive quizzes, and past papers to help students prepare for exams.
Website: Revision World
Why It’s Great: With a wealth of resources and tools, Revision World makes it easy for students to organise their study time and focus on key areas, boosting their chances of success.
Study Rocket
What They Offer: Study Rocket focuses on making GCSE and A-Level revision straightforward and effective. They offer structured courses, engaging content, progress tracking, and revision tips to help students cover the entire curriculum efficiently.
Website: Study Rocket
Why It’s Great: Study Rocket’s step-by-step courses and interactive lessons ensure that students stay motivated and on track, making revision a more manageable and less stressful experience.
Additional Support for Wellbeing
Local Education Authorities (LEAs)
What They Offer: Your local council can provide information on additional support services available in your area, including resources and guidance to help students stay engaged with their education.
Website: Find Your Local Council
Why It’s Great: LEAs offer tailored local support, which can be crucial for accessing resources and services specific to your community.
Home Education Networks
What They Offer: These networks connect families with support and resources for students learning outside the traditional school system.
Website: Education Otherwise
Why It’s Great: They provide a supportive community and resources for families choosing home education, ensuring students still receive quality learning opportunities.
Kooth
What They Offer: Kooth offers free, anonymous online support for mental health and wellbeing, which is vital for maintaining focus and motivation in education.
Website: Kooth
Why It’s Great: Accessible and confidential support helps students manage stress and emotional challenges, which can impact their academic performance.
Childline
What They Offer: Childline provides free, confidential counselling and support for young people facing personal issues or educational stress.
Website: Childline
Why It’s Great: Their services offer essential support for dealing with personal and educational challenges, helping students stay focused and supported.
Navigating education outside of the traditional school setting can be challenging, but with the right support, students can continue to thrive and prepare for their GCSEs. These charities and resources provide vital assistance, ensuring that young people stay engaged, motivated, and on track for academic success. Explore these options and find the support that best fits your needs.