QMU and local authority tutoring initiative shortlisted for THE Award
The Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative (ELTI), a collaboration by Queen Margaret University (QMU), East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council, the STV Children's Appeal and a local family charity, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.
QMU and East Lothian Council established ELTI in October 2020 to address societal inequalities, such as the attainment gap, that were exacerbated during the pandemic. Supporting around 300 pupils per week, ELTI currently offers one-to-one and small-group tutoring in all East Lothian and Midlothian secondary schools. Tutoring has also been made available to community organisations working with disengaged young people.
The University recruited and trained tutors for the initiative and has, so far, secured around £600,000 in funding from the STV Children's Appeal and a local charity.
The THE Awards are widely recognised as the 'Oscars of higher education' and attract hundreds of entries that exemplify the talent, dedication and innovation of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life each year.
The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony that took place on the evening of Thursday, 17 November, at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel. Ultimately, Sheffield Hallam University’s ‘South Yorkshire Futures’ project took home the prize, but the nomination alone is a testament to the partnership working that has made the Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative such a success.
Thomas Kelly, Head of Development and Alumni at QMU, said: "We're absolutely thrilled that ELTI was shortlisted for a THE award! Tutoring has never before been delivered in Scotland on such a scale. Already providing a model for other schemes, ELTI exemplifies the power of partnership to tackle community inequalities."
Notes to Editor
For media information please contact Gavin McNee, Media Relations and Content Creation Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: gmcnee@qmu.ac.uk; or contact Press Office at E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk.
The full list of winners and nominees from the 2022 THE Awards can be found here.
