Students in schools volunteers

Volunteer (casual/temporary)

Taking place in Primary and Secondary Schools throughout Derby City and Derbyshire, we are seeking enthusiastic University of Derby Undergraduate students to join our Students in Schools mentoring programmes for the 2025-2026 academic year. 

Volunteers will support pupils from Year 5 in Primary school, through to year 10 in secondary schools.  Working with small groups of assigned students, to boost motivation towards learning, encourage goal setting, and build self-efficacy and confidence to help raise student attainment. 

Details of Programme

Our young Derbyshire learners are excited to meet and work with University of Derby students, who can help them achieve their aspirations and remain motivated in school.  Volunteers will share their educational journeys and inspire pupils to consider their own future pathways, including progression to university. 

Mentors will be matched with schools to deliver up to 10 weeks of support, working with the same pupils throughout the programme. Projects have a minimum of 1 hour of support per week. 

Students in Schools currently have 3 pathways of support and you will be invited to express preference on which route you would like to support. You are able to select more than one project, and if selecting multiple, please express in preference order. To note, you do not need any experience to apply as successful applicants will receive full training. 

Volunteer positions are not paid; however, volunteer hours can be used for course-specific placement hours, and/or developing your employability skills for your future career.  Successful mentors will be welcome to request a reference on completion of any Students in Schools project.

Commitment and Training

Mentors must be available to support the programme for at least 1 hour per week over an 8-10 week programme.  Delivery will be in a designated school, in small groups, and will only take place during term time of your allocated school. 

Completion of training is mandatory and will be provided by the Widening Participation team in person, prior to placements starting. Training will include; 

All volunteering or placement offers will be conditional on obtaining an enhanced DBS certification. The University will cover the cost of the DBS check for volunteers who do not hold a valid certificate. 

  • Gain valuable education-based experience – ideal for future PGCE applications and careers working with young people 
  • Develop transferable skills including leadership, communication and teamwork 
  • Build a network of professionals within the education sector 
  • Inspire pupils to stay engaged in school and work towards realising their aspirations 
  • Supporting engagement with small groups of pupils and encouraging positive conversations 
  • Helping pupils set personal and academic goals 
  • Supporting with literacy and reading skills (Primary literacy support) 
  • Shaping delivery of sessions (Year 10 mentoring for confidence programme) 
  • Listening, offering guidance and bringing energy and fun to your interactions 
  • Monitoring and reporting on mentee attendance and progress 
  • Providing feedback to the University of Derby on the impact of the programme 
  • Working collaboratively with teachers and school staff 
  • Passionate about working with young people and committed to tackling educational equality and supporting under-represented students’ progress to higher education 
  • Punctual, reliable and adaptable 
  • A good communicator with strong interpersonal skills 
  • Willing to discuss and help break down barriers to learning through personal storytelling 
  • Interested in supporting under-represented students in accessing high education 
  • Considering a future career or postgraduate study in education and/or youth work 

How to Apply

If you would like to apply to become a Student in Schools Volunteer, please complete the online application form and submit by Friday 24 October 2025. 

For more information, or if you have any questions about the role, please email wpteam@derby.ac.uk