Students in schools

The University of Derby's Students in Schools programme brings trained student mentors into primary and secondary school classrooms across Derbyshire to inspire confidence and self-efficacy, help students realise their potential and aspirations, and support your pupil's progress. 

We are now inviting schools to express their interest in joining the programme for the 2025-26 academic year for the range of support projects on offer. 

Three projects are available for 2025-26:  

1. Mindset Mentoring Year 10  

• Focus on aspiration, confidence and goal setting  
• Aimed at pupils with moderate academic progress, Free School meals and Pupil Premium eligibility, care-experienced students and first generation to university 

2. Primary Reading Support  Year 5/6  

• Focus on reading support and increasing confidence in reading in KS2
• Aimed at pupils with lower than average reading age identified by the school as requiring extra support

3. Maths Anxiety Mentoring  Year 9

• Focus on Maths anxiety, confidence and attainment raising
• Aimed at pupils with low confidence in Maths and who are on or below the 4/5 grade boundary. Pupil Premium and FSM students are prioritised

Key information for Schools

• Up to 10 weeks of mentoring with the same group of pupils
• Available in school termtime, delivered in school
• All University of Derby Student Mentors are fully trained and DBS-checked
• Evidence based approach to supporting engagement and help raise attainment

How to get involved

Deadline to register your interest: Friday 14 November 2025 

Schools can register their interest by completing our quick online form, which will take approximately 5 minutes. 

For more information, or to discuss how Students in Schools could work for your school, please email wpteam@derby.ac.uk