2026 - Mentorship Pilot

We are currently exploring how best to strengthen support for students who are new to English and those who may be experiencing challenges in settling into school life. Across the county, many schools are seeing changes in their EAL cohorts, including increases in new arrivals, greater linguistic diversity, and more students with complex cultural or emotional needs. We want to understand this landscape clearly and directly from the schools who know their young people best. 

As part of this work, we are considering a pilot project that would connect trained college students—many of whom have lived experience of learning English as an additional language or navigating the UK education system—with younger students in secondary schools. The aim is to offer relational, nurturing, and culturally-informed peer support that complements the excellent work already happening in schools. Before shaping this pilot, it is important for us to listen to schools and understand what the genuine needs, pressures, and opportunities are. 

The questions that follow are designed to help us build a realistic picture of current provision, areas of strength, and any gaps where additional peer mentoring might add value. Your insights will help us determine whether this form of support would be helpful in practice, and if so, how we can co-design a model that is meaningful, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of your students and staff. 

Thank you in advance for your time and for sharing your experience—we deeply appreciate your partnership in ensuring that all learners feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.