A pioneering tutoring initiative led by Queen Margaret University, in partnership with East Lothian and Midlothian councils, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative (ELTI) has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category of THE Awards, the ‘Oscars of higher education’.

Funded by the STV Children’s Appeal and a local charity, ELTI is enabling school pupils to catch up with learning lost during the pandemic. Targeted at those identified as requiring additional support, the project is transforming the lives of senior school pupils across East and Midlothian. Additionally, tutoring has been made available to community organisations working with young people who have become disengaged with education.

Adam Scott, a pupil at Prestonlodge High School, Prestonpans struggled with learning during lockdown and didn’t get a lot done, so when he returned to school, he realised he was behind. He said: “I had lost interest in maths, and if I hadn’t been part of the Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative, and got one-to-one learning support, I would have completely disengaged and stopped learning any maths! Having the support of a tutor has helped me get my National 4 maths.”  Adam wants to go to college and then university to study law, so the tutoring initiative has been important in helping him achieve the results he needs to secure his future.

Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal of QMU, said: “Tutoring has never before been delivered in Scotland on such a scale, and is an exemplar of the power of partnership to tackle community inequalities and close the attainment gap. We recently had confirmation of funding to continue the scheme for another year, which means that hundreds more young people will be supported to reach their potential, and we are delighted that the work of all partners involved is being recognised in the THE Awards.”

ELTI currently offers 121 and small group tutoring in all 12 secondary schools in East Lothian and in Midlothian, and in community settings. It supports around 350 young people per week during term-time.