Peer mentoring

This pilot (supported by the DCSF) is in operation in 180 English schools and exists where one student forms a non-judgemental relationship with another pupil (mentee) for a sustained period of time, usually when the mentee is going through a transition, in order to voluntarily give support and encouragement. It is a formalised arrangement with training and support delivered by the Mentoring & Befriending Foundation.

Key points:
- Mentees were ‘pleased to have a mentor’; felt the ‘mentor was helpful; and were ‘confident there was someone to go to’.
- Mentors were ‘pleased to be a mentor’; thought it would be good for them/was good for them and felt it would be helpful to the pupils being mentored.
- 55% schools stated that ‘improved academic performance/ attainment’ was the long term aim of their peer mentoring schemes, followed by reduction in bullying (29%), improved attendance (8%) and fewer exclusions (6%).
- Evidence suggested that mentor and mentee matching seemed to be most successful when pupils were put together according to similar interests/hobbies and or similar personality characteristics.
- Programme co-ordinators in schools reported improved transitions most frequently (64%) as an outcome of the programme, and 63% thought that the programme had improved pupils’ confidence and self esteem. However, the programme was thought to have had less impact than expected on raising pupil attainment, and reducing incidences of bullying.
- Mentee expectations were high and were largely met. The vast majority were pleased at having a mentor; found their mentor helpful, and thought that the relationship with their mentor got better over time.
- 90% of mentees felt that being mentored had helped them. Mentees said that being mentored had improved their attitudes towards school; helped them attain better; and increased their confidence at school.
- Successful factors of peer mentoring programmes were: mentor enthusiasm; staff support; strong lead from school peer mentoring co-ordinator; and mentee engagement.