Ages 9 to 14
Mentoring to future success
The Character Journey pairs students of all ages with a mentor to deliver 1:1 sessions focused on developing oracy, character and life readiness.
Character Journey outcomes
The Character Journey pairs children with a role model for personal development.
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Readiness
Feeling prepared for next steps
Sessions cover life hacks & habits, conflict resolution, wellbeing, starting a business, careers, interviews and more.
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Oracy
Speaking, listening and understanding
Sessions cover situational empathy, active listening, the dynamics of feedback, negotiation and more.
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Character
Confidence and self-reflection
Sessions cover values, goals, motivation, being a team player, social movements, poetry and more.
Timeline
How it works
Step 1
Find the perfect mentor
After getting to know your child, we’ll suggest a mentor pairing based on relevant experiences, backgrounds and matching interests. Our mentors span a huge range of backgrounds from working at the Civil Service and Netflix, to the world of journalism and the West End.
Step 2
Start the Character Handbook
Using framework developed by the Oxford Character Project, mentors and students work through our extensive Character Handbook. The 150-page booklet includes session guides, fun exercises and takeaway tips that focus on the three outcomes: readiness, oracy and character.
Step 3
Monitor progress and next steps
You will receive progress reports following each session from your mentor and regular check-ins from our team. This ensures you have oversight over the process and that we’re working towards the results you’re looking for.
Metrics that matter
90%
Of parents rate Oppidan mentoring at least 8/10
85%
Of parents report the benefits of mentoring over tutoring
80%
Of parents see a noticeable increase in their child's confidence
Our mentors
Meet our mentors
Frequently asked questions
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The programme is for children aged 10 to 18, with the delivery tailored accordingly.
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Typically, twice a month.
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We’ve designed the Character Journey with the help of world-leading experts on character education, the Oxford Character Project.
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The programmes core focus is the ROC (readiness, oracy and character) development as opposed to deliberate academic outcomes, although an improvement in the three components will often correlate with better exam results.
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Mentors follow our Character Handbook with exercises divided into the three key outcomes.
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Almost always we recommend a hybrid approach. The first session is wherever possible, in person, to establish a good rapport and thenceforth online to make scheduling easier.
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We don’t expect you to want or need to change your mentor. Families are permitted one change if things aren’t work effectively.