Meet the Tutoring Plus Team

After graduating from Bangor University Jo began her career as a teacher of Chemistry. Jo has over 20 years’ experience in senior leadership across Greater Manchester and Lancashire including Headship, with wide-ranging involvement in both mainstream and Alternative Provision settings.

Having worked in senior positions in both mainstream and Alternative Provision settings across Greater Manchester, Jo is well placed to lead and drive the quality of our tutoring programmes within our Tutoring Plus offer.

Jo is the Director of Tutoring Plus, which provides a bespoke service of one-to-one tutoring and other supportive interventions for the children and young people with even greater barriers to overcome than their peers. This may include cared-for children, those at risk of exclusion, those excluded and children and young people not attending school regularly.

Jo is also Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Jo says: "The Mission and Values of Tutor Trust align perfectly with my own and this is what drew me to working with Tutor Trust initially. However, this has strengthened and developed as we have grown. It is so rewarding to know that you are part of a team of like-minded colleagues all working together to make a difference to the lives of children and young people who need it most."

Penny joined the Tutor Trust in September 2019 as a Schools Coordinator. Shortly afterwards she joined the Tutoring Plus team as a coordinator and became Tutoring Plus Manager in 2020. Penny oversees all of the programmes aimed towards supporting pupils holistically, such as The Right Angle and Time for ME.

Penny says: "I joined The Tutor Trust as a Primary and Secondary English tutor in 2016 during my second year at the University of Manchester.  Whilst tutoring I  enjoyed conducting tuition across a range of ages, as well as advocating for Tutor Trust at University.

"I have always been interested in roles and projects that aim to support young people to develop their confidence and overcome barriers, with the core values of compassion and equality being what initially drew me to the charity.

"When the opportunity to work specifically with pupils who are looked after or in alternative provision arose within Tutor Trust, I jumped at the chance. With the need for support for these young people only growing, our team and the work we do is more important than ever. Together we hope to continue to diversify the ways in which we can support each young person as an individual."

Imogen began her journey at Tutor Trust in 2022, when she took on the role of Secondary Science Tutor while completing her Pharmacology degree at the University of Liverpool. After graduating, Imogen joined the office as a Tutoring Plus Coordinator in September 2023. 

Imogen says: "Through my tutoring experience at the Tutor Trust and other voluntary positions I have been able to share my love of science with young people. These experiences have also deepened my passion for equality in education and the promotion of social mobility.  In my role, I am excited to play a part in student success and the fight against educational inequality by coordinating one-to-one tuition for young people who require more specialist support."

Alice joined The Tutor Trust as a part-time tutor in late 2020 alongside working in the heritage sector. She took on the role of Full-time Tutor in September 2022, working in primary and secondary schools across Greater Manchester. 

Alice says: "I love working for a team which focuses on making a difference to young people who need it most. I am really enjoying the challenge of tailoring tuition sessions to learners of different ages and needs, from Primary to post-16 students. The chance to incorporate students' ambitions and interests means that every day is different and challenging.

"The focus on personal development and reflective practice have allowed me to develop my skills and encourage students to do the same. I am currently looking forward to incorporating a focus on mentoring into my tuition sessions, as well as supporting academic progress."

Joining Tutor Trust while at Manchester Metropolitan University, Matt wanted to support his Education Studies degree with relevant and exciting work. After almost three years working as a Primary school tutor across Manchester and graduating from university, Matt loved the culture and ethos of Tutor Trust as well as the satisfaction of the positive impact of his work.  

Matt works in the Tutoring Plus Team as a Full-Time Tutor and also helps out with coordinator responsibilities. He has also been involved in the AI tuition pilot.

Matt says: "Having joined the Tutor Trust in Autumn 2023, I have been so impressed at the atmosphere within the charity. Everyone is so kind and supportive and carries the charity’s ethos with them in everything they do. Whether working remotely or in the office, there is always a friendly face to help with anything you need, and this is something I remember from my time as a tutor too. 

"I have always felt strongly about the ethos of Tutor Trust and I am so proud to be able to contribute to that further as a Full-Time Tutor while engaging in the many projects, pilot programmes, training, and learning and development sessions that the charity runs."