• News and events home
• News
• Events
• Features
• Press Office contacts

Award-winning University of York scheme to support City’s school children celebrates 30th anniversary

Posted on 16 January 2024

York Students in Schools (YSIS) is celebrating 30 years of connecting student volunteers with teachers and pupils in local schools and nurseries.

Over 30 years YSIS has placed 14,000 volunteers at 60 schools. These volunteers have spent a total of 420,000 hours supporting children in the City. 

Role models

Established in 1994, the University of York scheme empowers York students to provide additional support to pupils and teachers in the local community by acting as role models. Their role involves working to build confidence in pupils’ study skills and fostering positive attitudes towards education.

The scheme, which also gives student volunteers the opportunity to build their own confidence and mentoring skills, primarily works with disadvantaged pupils in York. However, it aims to ensure all school-age students in the city are able to reach their full potential.

Enthusiasm 

YSIS was founded by Allen Warren, Vanbrugh College Provost, following a trial project initiated by Robert Partridge, a biology postgraduate student. In 2003 the scheme was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service by groups in the community. 

Allen Warren said: “Initially, there was much suspicion from head teachers and some teaching unions, which the students dispelled by their commitment and enthusiasm. 

“The scheme was, we believe, the first in the UK and has been widely replicated in one form or another. It brings great credit to York and the University as pioneers, in terms of community engagement.”

Elevating aspirations

Louise Thurston, Associate Director of Careers and Employability at the University of York and YSIS Coordinator from 2009 to 2011 added: “Through three decades, we've been catalysts for change, elevating pupil aspirations and providing invaluable experiential learning opportunities for students.”

The scheme offers a range of placement opportunities from Classroom Assistants and GCSE Maths and English Tutors to English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support Assistants.

Speech and Language Assistant placements are also available, thanks to a partnership with the City of York Council’s Early Talk for York programme. 

Matt Brown, Headteacher at Osbaldwick Primary Academy said: “Our partnership with YSIS has lasted the test of time with hundreds of students supporting our children throughout the years. This landmark 30 years is an opportunity to express our gratitude to all the volunteers who have selflessly given their time to help young, enthusiastic learners at our school.”

Explore more news