Lewisham pupils celebrate graduation after strong progress in Maths and English

Lewisham residents celebrate graduation after making strong progress in Maths and English

89% of pupils supported through our free tutoring programme improved in Maths and English, helping them build confidence and prepare for secondary school.

The young residents in Lewisham have been celebrating their achievements after graduating from a free tutoring programme funded by L&Q and delivered in partnership with Tutors United.

The year-long programme tackled the attainment gap by targeting local Year 5 and Year 6 pupils who were falling behind in Maths and English.

At a graduation ceremony held last week, pupils reflected on a year of learning and personal growth, with many confidently speaking in front of family members, tutors and guests.

The programme achieved impressive educational outcomes, with 89% of participating pupils boosting their Maths and English skills. 

Delivered at Bampton Hall Community Centre in Forest Hill, sessions took place weekly in small groups, with one tutor for every six pupils and additional classroom support to ensure children received tailored help where needed.

For more than a decade, we have partnered with Tutors United to provide free Maths and English tuition to children from low-income households.

University students from diverse backgrounds are recruited, trained and paid the London Living Wage to deliver the sessions, gaining valuable skills and paid work experience in the process.

The programme data highlights the positive impact tutoring has had on participating pupils:

• 89% of pupils made progress in Maths and English
• Pupils achieved an average individual progress rate of 112% in English
• Many children progressed by a full academic level in English
• Pupils achieved an average individual progress rate of 82% in Maths

English lessons focused on long-form writing and literary techniques such as similes and metaphors, while Maths sessions helped pupils tackle challenging topics including multiplication and fractions.

Among the graduates was Xyla, winner of the Maths Progress Award, whose assessment score rose from 40% to 70% during the programme, enabling her to engage with Year 6 work while still in Year 5.

In total, 10 children completed the programme in Forest Hill this year, with a further nine pupils taking part in a nearby L&Q-funded programme at Beam Park. 

To support pupils as they continue their education, we provided every graduate with a secondary school starter kit containing a backpack, scientific calculator, maths set, stationery and a reusable water bottle.

We also judged a creative writing competition, with the winning pupil receiving a £40 Waterstones voucher.

Natalie Playfair, Community Development Lead at L&Q, said:

"This is a proud moment to celebrate these pupils' achievements and seeing them speak so confidently shows just how far they've come.

"As one of the largest social landlords in Lewisham, we have a responsibility to invest not only in homes, but in the communities around them.

That's why we support programmes like this, creating opportunities for local people to build their skills, confidence and ambitions.

"Tutors United have done a brilliant job, and this ceremony is a great example of what can be achieved when organisations work together."

Tutor Mayomi, who taught on the programme, said:

"The students were very shy and quiet at their initial assessment, but little by little, their personalities came through.

"They've been a joy to teach, each one curious and conscientious in their own way.

Knowing firsthand the impression a dedicated teacher can leave, I'm grateful to have been able to play a part in their success."

The programme also created an opportunity for Dagbale, an L&Q resident and former teaching assistant, to return to the education sector through a paid classroom assistant role.

She said:

"I'm learning new skills and that is really good for me."

The impact of the programme was also reflected in feedback from pupils and their families.

Liya-Blessing, 11, winner of the English Progress Award, said she had learned a great deal through the programme and would always remember the experience.

Her mother said:

"Liya always looked forward to the classes. I've never seen her so focused. She doesn't give up as easily; she will keep trying different things until she figures out the answer."

Graduate JJ, 11, added:

"I'm grateful for the fun times we shared, and memories made with new friends."

Meanwhile, 10-year-old aspiring poet Amina praised the tutors' approach to learning:

"With Maths, I didn't always get the initial input. My tutors were patient and explained different ways to work things out."

We provide more than 9,000 homes in Lewisham, including almost 6,000 social homes.

Through the L&Q Foundation, we continue to work with local partners to invest in opportunities that help residents and their communities thrive.