What is residential mentoring?

Having a mentor at home is the most effective way to support children, both academically and pastorally.

I’ve been a mentor with Oppidan Education since 2020 and have been fortunate enough to work with a number of families both online and in residence. Of course, online sessions are a logistical breeze for both mentor and parent alike, but nothing quite comes close to the relationships formed face-to-face. As I help children cook dinner or play games with them in the garden, I’m more of a big sister and a friend than a mentor confined to a strict academic playbook. I have had the most amazing experiences with my mentees, whether it be making scarecrows and building LEGO Harry Potter castles, helping with piano practice, or even just watching a film together in the evenings. We will always make sure to complete our four hours of work, but spending time together outside of the sessions has been a huge privilege and the bond we are able to form is incredibly strong.

What are the benefits of residential mentoring?

Pastoral (and academic) support – living in close quarters to your mentee places more onus on pastoral care, which in turn creates a nurturing environment where kids feels safe to explore and excel academically. In short, you’re a shoulder to lean out that’s not a parent.

Skills, skills, skills – Unlike timetabled online sessions, residential mentoring means that the child takes more ownership of their learning, enabling them to develop crucial skills such as time management and effective study habits. Naturally, these skills extend beyond the immediate academic context, preparing students for success beyond school. I have found this idea of 'independent learning' to be the biggest skill that all my mentees have developed, and working over a few days with a family has really helped mentees see how to structure their own work.

Progress comes quickly! – I’ve always enjoyed the more intensive aspect of residentials. Alongside the more pastoral elements, knuckling down for at least four hours a day means that children make huge leaps from the outset, and any targeted areas are usually tackled very quickly. Confident child, satisfied mentor, happy parents.

Have a watch of My Mentor and Me, a film about my relationship with 11-year-old Gabi. Over the course of a few years, I mentored Gabi at her home, both in term time and during the holidays, as she prepared to move to a new secondary school in London. The bond we formed is like no other and perfectly encapsulates the magic of having a mentor at home!