City year mentor Review
at City Year UK
Placement (10 Months+)
Teaching
Birmingham
Review Submitted: July 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
4.5/5
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Skills Development
4.5/5
-
Support and Guidance
4.3/5
-
Company Culture
4.5/5
-
Overall Experience
5/5
-
Future Career Prospects
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
As a City Year mentor in a primary school, I support students through one-on-one and small-group tutoring, focusing on literacy and social-emotional skills. I assist teachers in the classroom, encourage positive behavior, and help students stay engaged. I lead fun afterschool activities, build relationships, and create a positive learning environment. Every day, I help students grow academically and personally, making school a place where they feel seen and supported.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
I was given significant responsibility during my placement. I regularly led small-group and one-on-one tutoring sessions, supported classroom learning, and helped manage student behavior. I also took the lead on planning and delivering afterschool activities, tracked student progress, and communicated with teachers about individual student needs. These responsibilities helped me build trust with students and staff, and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the school community.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
during my time as a City Year mentor, I’ve developed strong communication and leadership skills by working closely with students, teachers, and teammates. I’ve also improved my problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and patience through daily classroom support and behavior management. Additionally, I’ve gained valuable experience in planning activities, data tracking, and mentoring, which have strengthened my organizational and interpersonal skills in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
4/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5
Support and Guidance
How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
During my placement, I received consistent support and guidance from my City Year Team Leader, Impact Manager, and school staff. We had regular check-ins, team meetings, and professional development sessions that helped me build my skills and confidence. Teachers were also supportive and open to collaboration, which made it easier to understand my role and grow in it. The structured support system ensured I never felt alone in my responsibilities.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
4/5
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
The company culture at City Year was supportive, inclusive, and mission-driven. There was a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration, with everyone focused on making a positive impact in students' lives. The atmosphere was energetic and encouraging, with a shared commitment to equity and education
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
4/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
4/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
4/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
Very enjoyed
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
4/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Future Career Prospects
Please rate the future employment prospects at City Year UK
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend City Year UK to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to City Year UK
Be ready to commit fully and stay flexible — every day is different. Show genuine passion for working with young people and making a difference. Be open to learning, take feedback well, and support your team. It can be challenging, but the experience is incredibly rewarding if you stay positive and engaged.
