Schools
At Light Up Learning, we partner with schools to provide students with tailored, one-to-one mentoring programmes that re-engage them with education and help them rediscover their love of learning. Our programmes are designed for young people facing barriers to education, whether through lack of confidence, disengagement, or personal challenges. We believe that every student deserves the chance to thrive, and we work with schools to ensure that happens.
We currently work in 12 schools across Edinburgh, the Borders, and the Lothians, collaborating with each partner school to provide individualised support for students who need it most. We love our partner schools and are passionate about building long-term relationships that benefit students, schools, and communities alike.
Our Partner Schools are:
These illustrations of our Partner schools are by our very talented Mentor, Lauren Ross
Armadale Academy
Balerno High School
Broughton High School
Castlebrae Community Campus
Craigroyston Community High School
Earlston High School
Gracemount High School
James Gillespie’s High School
Lasswade High School
Leith Academy
The Royal High School
Wester Hailes High School
Our Approach
Our mentoring programme is student-led, meaning each mentee works on projects that reflect their unique interests and aspirations. From art and science to practical skills and academic subjects, the learning is tailored to each individual, making it relevant and engaging. By doing this, we ensure that the student feels ownership over their education, building their confidence and skills in the process.
Our mentors work alongside schools to identify students who would benefit from our programme. The mentoring sessions take place weekly during school hours, offering consistent and personalised support over a sustained period. Through this structure, we’ve seen transformative results in students who were previously at risk of disengagement.
Our Impact
Our programme has a proven track record of improving student engagement and wellbeing. The data speaks for itself:
81% of mentees report improvement in their communication skills.
66% of mentees have seen an improvement in their confidence, which translates to better classroom participation.
91% of students are more likely to attend school on mentoring days, reflecting the positive impact our programme has on attendance and commitment to learning.
87% of students believe that Light Up Learning helps break down barriers to education, making school feel like a more supportive and enjoyable environment.
88% of mentees feel more positive about their education and future after engaging with our mentoring programme.
82% of school leavers who worked with Light Up Learning moved into further education, apprenticeships, or employment, significantly improving their future prospects.
How We Work with Schools
We specialise in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with additional support needs. This includes young people who:
Receive free school meals or live in SIMD areas 1-3
Are identified as young carers.
Are care-experienced.
Are otherwise at risk of disengagement from education.
Our mentoring begins in S3 (third year of secondary school) and continues throughout the student’s time in school. Each mentee is paired with a mentor who meets them regularly during school hours. Together, they embark on learning projects that match the student’s interests, whether that's exploring a creative passion like photography, investigating historical events, or tackling practical challenges like carpentry or cooking.
Key Aspects of Our Approach:
Interest-Led Learning: The key to our success is that we place the student at the centre of their learning journey. Each mentee chooses a project that they are passionate about, which might include anything from exploring architecture to building a model, learning to bake, or writing a story. This hands-on, interest-driven approach makes education engaging and fun again for students who have lost their connection with traditional classroom teaching.
One-to-One Mentoring: Mentoring is at the heart of what we do. Each student has a dedicated mentor who provides personalised support, guidance, and encouragement. Our mentors help students explore their strengths, overcome challenges, and build resilience in their learning. This relationship also improves students’ confidence in communicating with adults, setting them up for success in future endeavours.
Field Trips and Professional Connections: We take learning beyond the classroom. Whether it’s visits to local businesses, museums, or professional environments, our mentees experience learning in real-world contexts. These trips expose students to a range of careers and life experiences, raising their aspirations for the future and helping them envision their place in the world.
Transition Support: As students move through school and begin to consider their future beyond education, we provide tailored support to help them transition to the next stage—whether that’s further education, apprenticeships, or employment. We work with them to build life skills, from communication to leadership, ensuring they leave school ready for the next step.
Success Stories
Our mentoring programme has changed the lives of many young people. Here are just a few stories that illustrate the impact our work has had:
Daniel’s Journey
Daniel started with Light Up Learning during S3. Initially, he struggled with confidence and found it difficult to communicate in class. However, through his mentoring sessions, Daniel began to thrive. He chose to focus on sports management for his project, which allowed him to take leadership roles in organising school events. His mentor supported him in building the skills needed to pursue his passion. Today, Daniel has been accepted to study Sports Management at college and continues to excel.
Ellie’s Transformation
Ellie’s involvement with Light Up Learning began when she was identified as a young person who struggled to engage with formal education. During her mentoring sessions, she discovered a love for practical learning, particularly cooking and crafting. With her mentor’s encouragement, Ellie now dreams of opening her own beauty salon or pursuing a career in joinery. Her transformation is a testament to the power of student-led, interest-driven learning.
Liam’s Success
Liam was disengaged from school and at risk of leaving education early when he was referred to Light Up Learning. His mentor worked with him to explore his interest in technology, leading to a hands-on project in computer programming. Over time, Liam’s engagement with his mentor and his growing confidence in his abilities led him to re-enroll in school and pursue further studies in computer science. Today, Liam is thriving in college and continues to develop his skills.
What Teachers Say
"The personalised support offered by Light Up Learning has had a noticeable impact on the students we refer. They are more confident, engaged, and positive about their futures. It’s clear to see the difference that mentoring has made to their lives."
"Light Up Learning has been a fantastic partner for our school. The programme has helped many of our students who were struggling, giving them the tools to succeed academically and personally."
Why Partner with Us?
Schools that partner with Light Up Learning benefit from:
Personalised Support for Students: We work with your school to ensure each student receives tailored mentoring that meets their individual needs.
Collaborative Approach: We liaise with teachers and staff to ensure our work complements your school’s existing support programmes.
Measurable Results: We provide regular progress updates and impact reports, ensuring that schools and parents can see the tangible benefits of our mentoring.
Improved Student Wellbeing: Our focus on student-led learning improves both academic engagement and overall wellbeing, helping students build confidence, communication skills, and resilience.
Get Involved
If your school is interested in partnering with Light Up Learning, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re looking for support for individual students or want to explore how our mentoring programmes can complement your school’s initiatives, we are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your school and your students.