We trained 14 Year 10 Peer Mentors at the school. Each of the 14 mentors were assigned to a Year 8 pupil who was selected based upon their attendance and punctuality. All of the pupils had an attendance record of below the school expected level of 95% and in many cases the pupil’s attendance was below 90%.

The intervention sessions took place 3 times per week for 20 minutes during pastoral time at 8.40am. This had the added benefit of encouraging the pupil’s punctuality as they were keen to ensure they were in school promptly to attend their appointment time.

From the initial cohort of 14 pupils, 1 pupil dropped out because she felt that she did not need to do the mentoring as her attendance was at 94%. The remaining pupils engaged very positively with the project. They were enthusiastic and punctual to the sessions which allowed them to make the most of the 20 minute sessions. All of these students had finished all the modules by July 2013. The results showed that of the 13 students 7 improved their attendance (54%), 4 students attendance had remained at the same level (31%) and 2 students attendance had decreased (15%).

In September 2013 we started with new cohort of 8 mentees from Year 8 who had predominantly got attendance from the previous school year below 90%. We selected 8 peer mentors who had shown particular aptitude in mentoring. The results from this cohort have been very encouraging. 6 pupils finished the modules and 5 improved their attendance, with 4 of them having YTD attendance above 95%, including 2 pupils who have 100% attendance.

Only one pupil has not increased their attendance and this was due to an injury which kept him off school for a number of days. Ironically, this pupil was very engaged with the project and I am confident that the project has benefitted him and we will see an improvement in his attendance YOY.

There have been a number of positive aspects to the project. It has given the peer mentors experience of mentoring and has developed their communication skills and confidence in dealing with a variety of people. They have also become organised by ensuring that the folders are completed properly and that their mentees attend the meetings.

Dr Sandi Mann worked closely with Year 11 pupils and in her experience it was wonderful to see how the mentors have developed in their role and it is noticeable how their confidence has increased. These are skills that will benefit them in college and job interviews. The mentors were rewarded with ‘attendance mentor’ badges, similar to our ‘prefect’ badges, which the students display on their blazers. These are much sought after!