In the bustling world of schools and the pressures around proving achievement, it can be unfortunately easy to focus solely on grades and test scores. But a truly supportive education shapes a student far beyond what they may learn from their textbooks. Helping children and young people grow into well-rounded individuals with the resilience and confidence to chase their dreams is just as important a part of education as exam results.
Mentoring in schools, whether from a peer or a teacher, is a powerful and proven way to nurture students towards these goals, providing a supportive education experience.
In fact, the National Bureau of Economic Research released an article on the benefits of this “largely unrecognized pathway through which schools promote human capital development – by fostering informal mentoring relationships between students and teachers, counsellors, and coaches.” They further noted, “2/3 of students reported that mentors helped them with life development skills such as finding direction in life, setting the right priorities, navigating life crises, and making good decisions.”
Encouraging student success is about more than just academic help; it’s about providing a guiding hand, a supportive presence, and a relationship built on trust. For many students, a mentor is a friendly face, a sounding board for their worries, and a cheerleader for their successes, no matter how small. This personal connection is vital for helping them feel seen and valued, which is the foundation of self-esteem and future success.
Looking Beyond Marks For Truly Supportive Education
This week (9/9/25) Ofsted confirmed that they were changing single headline grades with new report cards, which will provide a more nuanced view of school performance. These reports will include areas such as attendance and behaviour as well as academic achievement, providing greater insight into whether schools provide a supportive education. In order to rate well within the new system they will need to make real efforts to address the root causes of issues in these areas.
Mentoring works because it addresses the whole student- their academic life, their social world, and their emotional well-being. It creates a supportive space for them to grow and develop across all these areas.
Academic and Personal Growth
While a mentor can certainly help a student with homework or study habits, their most significant impact is on the student’s mindset. By implementing a supportive education approach, they encourage curiosity, help students set realistic goals, and build the motivation needed to stay engaged in their learning journey. Indeed, Place2Be’s research found that 1-to-1 support can help reduce the likelihood of persistent school absence for children with mental health difficulties.
This isn’t just about getting better marks; it’s about helping a student discover their own capability and the joy of learning.
Cultivating Life Skills
A National Education Union survey found three quarters (74%) of teachers reported that “social difficulties are a regular issue” for their students, with factors such as exam anxiety being identified by 54%. Considering this, developing social and emotional skills that will last a lifetime is a step which evidently requires greater input. Fortunately, mentoring can be a key tool for doing so, with NESTA reporting that 89% of secondary schools across the UK considered mentoring programmes to be effective for developing social and emotional skills.
Through consistent, positive interaction and supportive education frameworks, students learn how to:
- Communicate effectively: They practice expressing their thoughts and feelings in a constructive way.
- Manage emotions: Mentors model calm and patience, providing a safe space for students to navigate stress and frustration.
- Build empathy: By engaging with someone who genuinely cares, students learn to understand and relate to others.
These skills are the building blocks of healthy relationships and are essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world. Establishing the safe space of a mentoring relationship allows for young people to be challenged, explore potential responses to the situations they are facing, and receive meaningful feedback, without the fear of judgement. As such, they are able to delve deeper into the underlying causes of their difficulties to find long-term solutions.
Different Kinds of Mentors
Mentoring can take various forms, each offering unique benefits to the students involved and playing a vital part in delivering a supportive education.
Peer Mentoring
Peer mentoring is special because it leverages the power of relatable connections. One student acts as a guide for a another, creating a relationship that feels less formal- almost more like a friendship. Because they’ve navigated the same school hallways and challenges, a peer mentor can offer advice that is both practical and deeply empathetic.
This kind of relationship can:
- Reduce social anxiety: A new or shy student has an immediate, friendly face to connect with, easing their transition and helping them feel like they belong.
- Boost confidence: The mentee feels empowered and valued when another student takes a genuine interest in them.
- Develop leadership: The mentors themselves gain a deep sense of responsibility and empathy, building skills that will serve them well in the future.
For a great example of how peer mentoring programmes can operate within schools, check out our Illustrative Case Study with TCES.
Teacher Mentors
Teacher-led mentoring programmes bring a different kind of support, grounded in professional expertise and a deep understanding of student needs. A key part of the success of these programmes is the specific training teachers receive, which extends beyond general guidance to include crucial skills for supporting all students.
Teachers learn to recognise and appreciate different ways of communication and learning. This ensures they can adapt their approach to suit each individual, creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels understood and can flourish.
Moreover, today a core component of this training covers Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The UK Government reporting that the number of EHC plans in January 2025 had increased by 10.8% from the same time the previous year, whiclst the Children’s Commissioner found “Children with SEND were more likely to be worried or stressed due to not having support in school or when learning from home (66%) compared to 48% of children without SEND.” As a result, teachers are increasingly needing to provide greater levels of support. As such, accessing relevant training is going to become increasingly important.
Fundamentally, teacher mentors are trained to handle behavioural challenges with a positive and proactive approach. Instead of focusing on reactive responses, they work with students to understand the reasons behind their actions. By working with their mentees on communication skills, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, the mentor can help students develop healthier ways of interacting with the world.
The Long-Term Impact
A mentor’s guidance is a key part of delivering a supportive education which can help students to explore career options, navigate the university application process, or simply find the courage to pursue a passion project.
However, the impact of a mentor doesn’t stop when the school year ends. The lessons they learn through a supportive education approach about confidence, communication, and resilience stay with them for a lifetime. When students feel a sense of purpose and are confident in their abilities, they’re better equipped to set meaningful long-term goals and work towards them.
In essence, supportive education and mentoring isn’t just about getting through school; it’s about helping students become the best version of themselves, setting them on a path toward a brighter, more confident future. It’s an investment in the individual that creates a new generation of well-rounded, capable, and socially-aware individuals ready for whatever life throws at them.
To learn more about mentoring children and young people within schools, check out our next Live Online Training Course.