Opportunity Plymouth

An empowering mentorship project where students become mentors to Year 10 school pupils
Opportunity Plymouth logo
Running since September 2021, ‘Opportunity Plymouth’ provides pupils in secondary schools across our city with post-16 and careers mentoring.
The 10 week programme pairs Year 10 students with trained university student mentors. They meet and share in weekly 1 hour sessions, where pupils consider their post-16 destinations after GCSEs, boost their confidence, set goals for the future and receive information and advice about the many opportunities available.
Our mentoring is based on the methodology ‘Theories of possible selves’ (Markus and Nurius, 1986); building a clear, believable, and motivating vision of one’s ‘future self’ can often be key to achieving our long-term goals. Making use of our university students’ varied skills and life experiences, the programme supports pupils to aspire, visualise, plan, and think forward, offering them the opportunity to have open, non-judgemental, and supportive conversations with student mentors who have recently been in their shoes.
Developed by Associate Professor in Education Dr Suanne Gibson, the project is now entering its fourth year, with delivery planned for a further 6 cohorts in 2025. The programme’s success to date is centred around collaboration and empowerment for pupils and mentors; opening productive cross-sector conversations with schools, celebrating individuality and choice, and learning together as we grow.

This mentoring programme has positive impacts on all stakeholders with empowerment at its core. Our work champions collaboration, choice and personal growth, while recognising and celebrating that success is personal and individual.

Liz Staples, BA (Hons) Education

Our impact so far…

  • A

    313 school students supported

  • Ä

    37 university student mentors trained

  • H

    14 ‘Opportunity Plymouth’ programmes delivered

  • '

    9 Plymouth secondary schools

  • B

    915 student research participants since 2022

  • Students and school pupils sitting in a lecture theatre looking towards the front. 

    Opportunity Plymouth workshop

  • A student talking to secondary school pupils whilst handing out paperwork

    Students talking to school pupils

  • University students trained as mentors for school pupils

    University trained student mentors

  • student sat around a table collaging visions for the future as part of Opportunity Plymouth

    Collaging visions for the future

  • A mentor and two students talking at Plymouth city college as part of Opportunity Plymouth

    Discussions underway at Plymouth City College

  • Mentors and Mentees at UTC Plymouth sat around a table smiling as part of Opportunity Plymouth

    Mentors and Mentees at UTC Plymouth

  • Group shot of 2024 mentors from Opportunity Plymouth

    Our 2024 mentors

  • Students and mentors celebrate at Plymouth City College ad part of Opportunity Plymouth

    Students and mentors celebrate at Plymouth City College

  • UTC Plymouth students and mentors at the campus Celebration Event for Opportunity Plymouth

    UTC Plymouth students and mentors at the campus Celebration Event

  • Group of student working together at Plymouth City College as part of Opportunity Plymouth

    Working together at Plymouth City College

  • Year 10s at Tor Bridge High celebrate with their mentors with Opportunity Plymouth

    Year 10s at Tor Bridge High celebrate with their mentors

Levelling up

“This collaboration with the city and school leaders is essential in working toward more inclusive education with equitable outcomes against the impact of current systemic and societal challenges.”
Dr Suanne Gibson
“I personally want to thank all at the University for allowing us to come and see what you do. It's highlighted a real need for our kids and establishments like the University to come together to give kids a real focus for their future and really helped their self esteem.”
School teacher Matt Treeby
Opportunity Plymouth mentor and student at the celebration event

Session content

Sessions are co-designed by mentors and pupils to suit their needs, priorities and interests. Pupils and mentors work together in small groups to build self-esteem, raise aspirations, and plan practical pathways for post-16 success.
Sessions contain discussions around:
  • Pupil’s vision of their future self
  • Boosting self-esteem
  • Communication skills
  • Getting to know yourself and your skills, strengths, and areas for development
  • Post-16 options – Sixth form, college, apprenticeships
  • Possible careers and job roles
  • CV writing
  • Job applications
  • How to succeed at interviews
  • Setting goals and action planning
  • Role models
  • Information and further support available

Opportunity Plymouth highlighted as an example of national best practice

The Opportunity Plymouth mentoring model has been highlighted by the Department for Education and Disability Rights UK as an example of national best practice, being noted as a progressive model of student mentoring in the Speaking from Experience, Getting it Right for Disabled Apprentices report.
It was recognised that our mentors gain valuable skills, and school pupils gain both confidence and opportunities that help with future aspirations.
View the full report . You can find Opportunity Plymouth on page 41.

Becoming an Opportunity Plymouth Mentor

Working as an Opportunity Plymouth Mentor is an excellent way to enhance your employability, build skills for the future, and earn some money alongside your studies:
  • Enhance your CV
  • Develop professionalism and workplace skills
  • Gain experience in education / working with young people
  • Share your interests and skills
  • Support others
  • Meet new people and build connections
  • Receive a certificate and digital badge
  • Get paid for your time
All Opportunity Plymouth Mentors receive extensive training and support:
  • Comprehensive Mentor Training sessions
  • Safeguarding and Prevent training
  • GDPR training
  • Work as part of a supportive student team of like-minded mentors
  • Regular Mentor ‘drop-in’ sessions to catch up with the OP team

The experience has helped me gain a level of professionalism and provided me with an opportunity to be a source of information and guidance.

Student mentor

Opportunity Plymouth has been the highlight of my student life at the University, and I am deeply appreciative of the guidance and support you have extended to me.

University student

Get involved

For more information about the programme, to become a student mentor, or to find out how ‘Opportunity Plymouth’ could work in your school, please contact Dr Suanne Gibson S.Gibson-1@plymouth.ac.uk or George Munn george.munn@plymouth.ac.uk.

Feedback from our participants

I learned a lot about my options and what I like, what I want to do, and how to get closer to my goals. I had very helpful and positive conversations with the mentors. They helped us move forward and kept us motivated to look ahead.

Student

[Our mentors] helped us come out of our shell. They made us confident so now we can stand up and speak in front of people.

Student

The mentors would listen to suggestions from teachers and adapt learning materials as required. They were inclusive and ensured all students were involved no matter their ability. The mentors were excellent.

School Staff – Millford School

[Sessions gave students] increased confidence in public speaking, more awareness of what they want to do in the future and increased belief in themselves.

School Staff – Scott Medical and Healthcare College 

It was a really great experience, 10/10. I worked with some really great people. Suanne and George were always around to help and very supportive. Everyone was very kind and for that I was extremely grateful. […] Unfortunately my course is only for a year but if it were longer, I'd definitely do it all over again.

University Student Mentor 

Personally, this experience has been such a great opportunity for me to enhance my skills in adaptability, creativity, mentoring and working with children. It was also very rewarding to see the progression of my mentees at both schools throughout the programme and to celebrate their achievements at the celebration events. It was truly unforgettable and I hope I can get involved in similar experiences in the future!

University Student Mentor 
 
 

Core project team