Meaningful Work Experience Through Peer Mentoring

To mark National Work Experience Month, we're celebrating the incredible contribution of the young people who volunteer as MathsMakers mentors and the difference they make to younger students every week.

At MathsMakers, we believe some of the most meaningful work experience comes from giving young people real responsibility. Rather than observing from the sidelines, our volunteer mentors work alongside experienced maths instructors to support younger students who need extra help with maths. They encourage, explain, listen, adapt their approach and build confidence – all while developing valuable skills that will benefit them long into the future.

Learning by Doing

Our mentoring programme provides sixth form students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a supportive environment. Mentors work with younger learners during our in-person maths programmes, helping to explain concepts, encourage participation and celebrate progress.

Along the way, they develop many of the skills valued by employers and universities, including communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, empathy and problem-solving.

During 2025/26, our mentoring programme continued to grow. Across 11 schools and community organisations, 95 volunteer mentors supported 113 younger students, creating meaningful learning experiences for everyone involved.

This year also saw the launch of a new work experience-style mentoring programme at Hatch End High School, where Year 10 students supported Year 7 learners, providing younger students with relatable role models while gaining valuable experience themselves.

What Our Mentors Say

Feedback from our mentors shows the positive impact the experience has on their own development.

• 100% of mentors said they felt valued as part of the MathsMakers team.

• 100% said they would volunteer for a similar mentoring programme again.

Mentors also described how the programme helped them develop confidence and transferable skills:

"The experience taught me how best to communicate as well as improve my patience and time management."

Another mentor reflected:

"I learnt to explain even simple concepts in a way students understand. I became better at explaining things and not making students doubt themselves."

These experiences give young people practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

Where Are They Now?

The impact of mentoring continues long after the programme ends.

One former MathsMakers mentor is now in the final year of an Economics degree at Royal Holloway, University of London. Alongside their studies, they work as a tutor supporting both neurodiverse and non-neurodiverse learners and serve as President of the Albanian Society.

Reflecting on their time with MathsMakers, they said:

"My time as a MathsMakers mentor was a highly rewarding experience that helped me develop skills which continue to benefit me both academically and professionally."

They also shared this advice for future mentors:

"If you want skills that will 100% be used in later life, MathsMakers is something you should definitely become a part of."

Making a Difference Together

Peer mentoring benefits everyone involved. Younger students receive personalised support from positive role models who are closer to their own age, while mentors develop the confidence, experience and transferable skills that prepare them for university, employment and future leadership opportunities.

This National Work Experience Month, we'd like to thank every volunteer mentor who has supported MathsMakers this year. Your enthusiasm, patience and commitment have made a lasting difference to the young people you have worked with, and we look forward to creating even more opportunities for young people to learn, lead and inspire others in the years ahead.