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Aimed at those impacted most by poverty, the innovative approach will see almost 500 pupils receive extra tutoring support from the two universities this academic year. 

The project is based on ����ֱ��’s Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative (ELTI), which was launched in 2020 to support young people who were affected by the Covid-19 school closures. ����ֱ�� initially worked with East Lothian Council, with support from the STV Appeal and other local supporters, to develop one-to-one tutoring to help senior school pupils who had fallen behind or disengaged with learning. The project aimed to ensure that pupils, no matter their background, were not disadvantaged in their learning, and were provided with the extra support they needed to achieve their potential.  

����ֱ��’s Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative was designed to help close the attainment gap and to provide equality of opportunity for pupils at a crucial point in their educational journey. Over the last five years, the project has gone from strength to strength, helping thousands of young people across East and Midlothian to achieve their learning potential. 

Today, thanks to a £90,000 investment from the Scottish Government, the successful education model will now be extended to wider group of young people across the central belt. This will include specialist one-to-one tuition for pupils, delivered online and in person, with the aim of helping them secure a place in university, training or further study. Tutoring will be delivered by students and graduates of ����ֱ�� and University of Glasgow, as well as retired teachers, who have been enthusiastic about bringing their skills back into the workplace. 

Speaking during a visit to Newbattle High School in Midlothian, which is taking part in the expanded  tutoring scheme, Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “The work that is being taken forward by the Queen Margaret and Glasgow universities is ensuring that more pupils impacted by poverty are engaged and supported with their studies. This is an excellent example of innovation in Scottish education, which compliments the work of our Scottish Attainment Challenge. Through this and other measures, we are doing all we can to eradicate child poverty; our schools are playing a key role in achieving that ambition – from delivering free school meals and clothing banks to after-school study clubs and this tutoring programme.” 

Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement, at the University of Glasgow, said: "Education has the power to transform lives, and it is vital that every young person has the chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances. 

"By working with schools across Scotland, the University of Glasgow is helping to break down barriers to learning and give pupils the extra support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. We are delighted to see this programme grow and to play our part in tackling the attainment gap.” 

����ֱ��’s Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative gained nationwide recognition in 2024 when it won ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ in the Herald Higher Education Awards.