A tutoring group has set up camp in one of the city’s schools in an attempt to boost students’ GCSE scores.

A team of volunteers from Action Tutoring has piloted the first programme with Hove Park School focusing on helping pupils prepare for their exams.

Action Tutoring started in 2011 in London to make the benefits of tuition more widely available and it has grown rapidly, now working with 35 London schools and launching around the country.

Director Susannah Hardyman said: “Whilst the organisation started in London, the hope was always that we would be able to expand the model around the country.

“Launching in Brighton and Hove is part of this exciting growth, making sure that tuition isn’t just available to those who can afford it.”

The programme works by matching carefully selected volunteers with one or two pupils in a partner school.

Schools must have at least double the national average of pupils eligible for free school meals to be part of the programme, aiming to cater for families who cannot afford private tutoring.

Volunteer tutor Hatty Dawson said: “Volunteering with Action Tutoring has been an amazing experience. Watching my pupil progress each week has given me a great sense of satisfaction."

The charity aims not only to improve pupils’ subject knowledge, but also to bolster their confidence about their exams and to improve their study skills.

A pupil at Hove Park School said: “Action Tutoring has helped me out a lot. It’s helped me improve my English and made me more confident for my exams.

“One to one is helpful because I’m not in a busy class so I get more help and my tutor explains the words to me that I don’t know.”

Action Tutoring is aiming to deliver 10 programmes of tutoring in Brighton and Hove over the next academic year and has just appointed a local facilitator to oversee this expansion, with the possibility of a primary programme being explored as well.

Regional manager Chris Hall said: “We are always keen to hear from people interested in volunteering with us and would encourage anybody willing to donate their time to a great cause to get involved and help us make a difference to the lives of young people in Brighton.”