Students in Classrooms
Are you a student at Nottingham Trent University or the University of Nottingham? Find out how you can use your experience to be a positive role model for young people who are considering higher education.
Make a difference to the lives of young people in Nottinghamshire

Now more than ever, we know the importance of helping others and addressing issues in society. Recent events have disrupted the education of young people and those from disadvantaged backgrounds have been affected most.
Our Students in Classrooms schemes provide support for disadvantaged children and young people in local schools and colleges. By taking part, you will act as a positive role model, supporting pupil attainment and personal development, whilst increasing awareness of higher education and the opportunities it can offer.
Whatever your future career plans, our schemes will look great on your CV, enhance your employability and enrich your university experience.
Students in Classroom schemes
Achievement Coaches support secondary school pupils with their attainment and engagement with learning. School pupils are experiencing extraordinary challenges and learning loss because of the pandemic. By Autumn 2021, pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds were 3.5 months behind expected levels in reading. (RL & EPI, 2022)
By acting as a supportive role model, you will work with pupils on a programme centred around literacy to develop their reading (which is described by Ofsted ‘the gateway to learning’) and writing skills. This programme is a 10-week placement based in school between January and April where you will up to 7 hours per week. It is preferable that you can undertake the hours over one day or two half days per week. This is a paid opportunity and applications are welcome from both Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham students.
Achievement Coaches job description and person specification
Learning Advocates provide classroom support for pupils and teachers in Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire County primary schools. As a Learning Advocate, you will inspire and motivate pupils to learn and realise their potential, whilst supporting attainment. You will work in a school, either supporting a specific class and teacher. There is also the opportunity to offer support to extra curricular activities.
This programme is a 10-week placement where you will work up to 7 hours per week. This is a paid opportunity and applications are welcome from both Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham students.
For NTU students returning as Learning Advocates, you will have the opportunity to extend your experience in an additional role and express your interest to be a Children’s University Advocate. This role will support the admin needs and some delivery of educational activities for Yr 5 pupils in selected schools.
Outreach Ambassadors support a wide range of projects across the Centre for Student and Community Engagement. The projects and activities Outreach Ambassadors support take place in school and on campus to pupils aged 9-18 and to young people transitioning into Higher Education. By leading groups and sharing their own educational experience Outreach Ambassadors embody key characteristics such as resilience, enthusiasm and positivity towards education and use this to act as a role model for young people. Work is available on a casual basis, however there is a minimum commitment throughout the academic year of 20 hours. This is a paid opportunity currently offered to NTU students only.
Outreach Ambassadors job description and person specification
Please note that applications for 2022-23 have now closed. We are currently accepting expressions for 2023-24 entry.
One of the best things for me about being a learning advocate is the sheer flexibility of the role. There was never a dull moment and each week brought different activities and challenges.
Sophie, Learning Advocate
From the first training days I remember enjoying the fun and personal (yet still efficient and effective) character of the organisation. I had a great time meeting new and interesting people, as well as learning and developing cool skills.
Matthew, Achievement Coach.