Our Background
The People's Classroom was born from the frustrations of young people in our local community. It is developed by and for students who have felt let down and left behind in school.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that underachievement is due to fault within the system, not the student.
What do we do?
We provide young people (aged 15-16) from ‘disadvantaged’ backgrounds with free Maths and English tuition to support them through their GCSEs. We believe that if we can transform a student's GCSE outcomes, we have the power to transform lives.
Our tutors are recruited from prestigious universities (UCL, LSE, SOAS, City and University of London) to run weekly in-person sessions after school and lead 1:1 and practical small-group activities to teach key topics that students need to catch up on.
Who do we work with?
We deliver tuition to students at partner (non-selective state) schools who meet at least one of the following:
- Care experienced / Young carer
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- Free School Meals (FSM)
- Gypsy, Roma or Traveller
- Homeless / sofa-surfing
- Refugee / Forced migrants.
Our Goals
- Increase students grades
- Improve student's confidence and wellbeing
- Improve life outcomes
Why is it important?
Research shows that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are almost half as likely to achieve a Grade 5 in their English and Maths GCSEs than their peers. In 2024, the Education Policy Institute found that disadvantaged students are 19+ months behind in school when compared to their peers.
We focus on GCSEs as it's a critical point within a student's journey and often determines other outcomes such as whether a student will go to university and their lifetime earnings.
Where will your money go?
We are raising £15,000 to help us pay for a Programme Manager and cover some of our tutor fees. This funding will contribute to the delivery of our 12-week GCSE tuition programme that will support 60 students across London.
Through our existing fundraising efforts, we are on track to receive £15,000 through local authorities and other grants. We are an approved member of key funding organisations (Camden Giving Young Camden Foundation and Young Brent Foundation).
However, we still need to raise an additional £15,000 to cover the remaining costs of the programme. Total programme costs are £30,000 to deliver and a full breakdown of programme costs is outlined below:
- £18,000 - To pay for 60 students to receive a personal tutor for 12 weeks (tutor £25 p/hour).
- £12,000 - To pay for a Programme Manager (6 months) to oversee tutor training, programme design and school partnerships.
Why should you donate?
By donating to this cause, you join us on a mission to give all students access to the teaching they need and deserve.