MP Checks Out Work of Tutoring Charity at Granard Primary
Fleur Anderson sees volunteer-led programme transforming pupil progress
The Putney MP talks to pupils at Granard Primary School
October 23, 2026
Granard Primary School in Putney welcomed local MP Fleur Anderson this week for a first-hand look at the school’s partnership with Action Tutoring, the award-winning education charity working to close the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils. The visit offered a close-up view of how volunteer-led tutoring is helping children reach key milestones in maths and reading.
During the visit, the Putney MP joined a live tutoring session, speaking with both tutors and pupils about their experience. She also took time to answer questions from the children, who were eager to learn more about her work and life as an MP.
Staff say that the school’s collaboration with Action Tutoring is already showing clear results. Granard’s Deputy Headteacher, Andy Wheeler, highlighted the value of intensive one-to-one support, noting that the programme “gives the children a chance to work intensively with an adult, building their vocabulary and responding to personalised questions directly.” He added that the impact is visible in pupil outcomes, with disadvantaged pupils at Granard scoring 26 percentage points higher in maths compared to disadvantaged pupils nationally.
The need for targeted support remains stark. In Wandsworth, 66% of disadvantaged pupils met expected standards in their SATs last year, compared with 87% of their peers. In reading, the gap is similar: 72% versus 87%. Nationally, nearly half of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds leave school without the basic English and maths qualifications needed to progress into apprenticeships, further study or skilled employment, leaving them at greater risk of becoming NEET.
Action Tutoring aims to break this cycle by providing high-quality tutoring through a network of volunteers aged 18 to 84, offering weekly support either online or in person. The charity’s model is built on evidence: pupils who attend ten or more sessions are significantly more likely to meet expected standards in both maths and reading, and more likely to pass GCSE English and maths than disadvantaged peers nationally.
Fleur Anderson praised the programme’s impact, saying: “It was inspiring to visit Granard Primary School and see the fantastic work being done by Action Tutoring. The dedication of the volunteer tutors and the enthusiasm of the pupils is wonderful to witness. Initiatives like this are vital to closing the attainment gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, is given the support they need to succeed and avoid falling out of education or employment.”
Action Tutoring’s Interim CEO, Sarah Pearson, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of ensuring that pupils who need extra help are not the last to receive it. “We know it is one of the most effective ways to catch pupils up,” she said, welcoming the opportunity for the local MP to see the programme in action.
The charity is keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering or supporting its work – for more information visit www.actiontutoring.org.uk.
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