Empowering Change Through Education: Lumina's Story
Empowering Change Through Education: Lumina's Story
Empowering Change Through Education: Lumina's Story
Lumina was born from a vision to empower vulnerable youth by providing transformative, personalised tutoring and mentorship. We believe in the inherent potential of every young person, regardless of their circumstances.
Lumina was born from a vision to empower vulnerable youth by providing transformative, personalised tutoring and mentorship. We believe in the inherent potential of every young person, regardless of their circumstances.
Lumina was born from a vision to empower vulnerable youth by providing transformative, personalised tutoring and mentorship. We believe in the inherent potential of every young person, regardless of their circumstances.
Our story
Our story
Bridging the education gap for looked after children
Bridging the education gap for looked after children
Welcome to Lumina Tutoring, where education shines its brightest light on the futures of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
We are an online programme dedicated to providing no-cost, remote tutoring to those who need it most, especially children in or on the edge of local authority care, known as Looked After Children.
Our mission is simple but profound: to boost the self-esteem and educational progress of disadvantaged young individuals. We achieve this by bringing together a remarkable community of teachers, known as Lumina Mentors, who generously volunteer their time once a week (during term time). These dedicated educators provide one-on-one, 45-minute tutorial sessions, covering a wide range of subjects. While we welcome experts in all fields, there is currently a high demand for specialists in English, Maths, and Science.
“Best of all, everything we do is cost-free for our partner institutions and the children we support”
At Lumina, we believe in removing barriers, and that's why our platform is fully funded. We provide comprehensive administrative support to participating schools, implement robust safeguarding measures, and offer training and ongoing guidance to our Lumina Mentors. Best of all, everything we do is cost-free for our partner institutions.
Why Us
Why Us
What sets Lumina apart
What sets Lumina apart
Lumina has a commitment to continuity as a transformative programme, delivered and no-cost. Our volunteer teachers work with the same student throughout an entire academic cycle, ensuring a deep and lasting impact. This program, which originated at Harrow School during the first national lockdown, has grown into a dynamic consortium of like-minded schools from across the nation. Together, we're changing the lives of vulnerable young people and addressing the urgent need to improve educational attainment among Looked After Children.
Lumina has a commitment to continuity as a transformative programme, delivered and no-cost. Our volunteer teachers work with the same student throughout an entire academic cycle, ensuring a deep and lasting impact. This program, which originated at Harrow School during the first national lockdown, has grown into a dynamic consortium of like-minded schools from across the nation. Together, we're changing the lives of vulnerable young people and addressing the urgent need to improve educational attainment among Looked After Children.
Closing the
Attainment Gap
Closing the
Attainment Gap
Lumina's dedicated approach to tutoring has consistently narrowed the attainment gap among students in care. Our methods are designed to ensure every student receives tailored support for academic success.
Lumina's dedicated approach to tutoring has consistently narrowed the attainment gap among students in care. Our methods are designed to ensure every student receives tailored support for academic success.
Fostering
Self-Worth
Fostering
Self-Worth
At Lumina, we foster an environment where self-esteem flourishes. Our mentorship programs aim to instill confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in every student we engage with.
At Lumina, we foster an environment where self-esteem flourishes. Our mentorship programs aim to instill confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in every student we engage with.
Pathways to
Success
Pathways to
Success
We're committed to creating pathways that lead to higher education, vocational training, and meaningful employment opportunities for our students, breaking down barriers to future success.
We're committed to creating pathways that lead to higher education, vocational training, and meaningful employment opportunities for our students, breaking down barriers to future success.
Meaningful impact
Meaningful impact
In the past year alone, Lumina Tutoring has made a meaningful impact, growing 200% and supporting Looked After Children across all educational Key Stages.
In the past year alone, Lumina Tutoring has made a meaningful impact, growing 200% and supporting Looked After Children across all educational Key Stages.
17+
17+
Independent Schools
Independent Schools
100+
100+
Students
Students
60+
60+
Teachers/Mentors
Teachers/Mentors
2000+
2000+
Hours provided
Hours provided
Team
Meet the team
Meet the team
Get to know the faces behind Lumina - our founder, directors, and dedicated support staff. Each individual contributes to our mission with passion and commitment.
Get to know the faces behind Lumina - our founder, directors, and dedicated support staff. Each individual contributes to our mission with passion and commitment.
Mr. Tim Dalton
Mr. Tim Dalton
Lumina Founder
Lumina Founder
Tim is Director of Shaftesbury Enterprise at Harrow School overseeing partnership, philanthropic and charitable initiatives as well as a Mathematics Master at Harrow. Tim has also supported several pupils on the Lumina programme for the past 4 years and has strategic oversight of the Lumina programme.
Tim is Director of Shaftesbury Enterprise at Harrow School overseeing partnership, philanthropic and charitable initiatives as well as a Mathematics Master at Harrow. Tim has also supported several pupils on the Lumina programme for the past 4 years and has strategic oversight of the Lumina programme.
Dr. Gitanjali Bhattacharya
Dr. Gitanjali Bhattacharya
Director of Lumina
Director of Lumina
Gitanjali is Head of Access and Partnerships at Harrow School with nearly 2 decades of experience in programme development, programme management and fundraising in the non profit sector. Gitanjali provides strategic leadership with responsibility for the development and implementation of the Lumina strategy, onboarding new partners and ensuring the sustainable growth of the Lumina movement.
Gitanjali is Head of Access and Partnerships at Harrow School with nearly 2 decades of experience in programme development, programme management and fundraising in the non profit sector. Gitanjali provides strategic leadership with responsibility for the development and implementation of the Lumina strategy, onboarding new partners and ensuring the sustainable growth of the Lumina movement.
Ms. Kim Tootill
Ms. Kim Tootill
Lumina Registrar
Lumina Registrar
Kim provides administrative support and liaises with carers, local authorities and teachers supporting all stakeholders to seamlessly deliver targeted support to care experienced young people. Kim coordinates safeguarding agreements across a range of stakeholders and is the backbone of the Lumina operation.
Kim provides administrative support and liaises with carers, local authorities and teachers supporting all stakeholders to seamlessly deliver targeted support to care experienced young people. Kim coordinates safeguarding agreements across a range of stakeholders and is the backbone of the Lumina operation.
Want to join us?
Join the movement
Become a Lumina Fellow and volunteer your time as a one-on-one online tutor or mentor for care-experienced young people. Your contribution will support the ongoing operation of the Lumina program and enable us to reach more deserving students.
Join the movement
Become a Lumina Fellow and volunteer your time as a one-on-one online tutor or mentor for care-experienced young people. Your contribution will support the ongoing operation of the Lumina program and enable us to reach more deserving students.
Join the movement
Become a Lumina Fellow and volunteer your time as a one-on-one online tutor or mentor for care-experienced young people. Your contribution will support the ongoing operation of the Lumina program and enable us to reach more deserving students.
FAQs
Your questions answered
Explore our frequently asked questions section to learn more about Lumina's programs, eligibility, and the impact we create.
What is Lumina's primary mission?
Lumina's core mission is to provide transformative, personalised online tutoring and mentorship to empower vulnerable young people, fostering academic success, building self-esteem, and creating a supportive network.
What measurable impact has Lumina made so far?
Lumina has supported over 60 children and young people looked after, across all educational Key Stages, resulting in significant improvements in academic performance and raised levels of confidence among students.
Who is eligible to benefit from Lumina's programs?
Lumina primarily supports children and young people in or on the edge of care, including those in local authority care, offering tailored educational support to help them thrive.
Is there any cost involved in participating as a student or carer?
No, Lumina provides its services entirely free of cost to the young people, carers, or local authorities involved.
How can I get involved with Lumina as a volunteer?
You can get involved by becoming a mentor, or offering your time and skills. Explore our ‘Get Involved’ page to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can contribute.
What kind of support is provided to volunteers or mentors?
Lumina offers comprehensive administrative support, training, and ongoing assistance to volunteers, ensuring they're well-equipped and supported in their roles.
What subjects are covered in Lumina's tutoring program?
Lumina covers a wide range of subjects. Currently, there's a high demand for specialists in English, Maths, and Science, although experts in all fields are welcome.
How long does a mentor work with a student?
A mentor typically works with the same student throughout an entire academic cycle, usually up to a public exam, ensuring a lasting and impactful relationship.
How can schools or local authorities partner with Lumina?
Schools and local authorities interested in partnering with Lumina can reach out through our contact page to explore collaboration opportunities and the benefits of partnership.
Are there opportunities for businesses or organisations to collaborate with Lumina?
Yes, Lumina actively seeks partnerships with businesses, community organisations, and charities to maximise its impact. Contact us to discuss collaboration possibilities.
FAQs
Your questions answered
Explore our frequently asked questions section to learn more about Lumina's programs, eligibility, and the impact we create.
What is Lumina's primary mission?
Lumina's core mission is to provide transformative, personalised online tutoring and mentorship to empower vulnerable young people, fostering academic success, building self-esteem, and creating a supportive network.
What measurable impact has Lumina made so far?
Lumina has supported over 60 children and young people looked after, across all educational Key Stages, resulting in significant improvements in academic performance and raised levels of confidence among students.
Who is eligible to benefit from Lumina's programs?
Lumina primarily supports children and young people in or on the edge of care, including those in local authority care, offering tailored educational support to help them thrive.
Is there any cost involved in participating as a student or carer?
No, Lumina provides its services entirely free of cost to the young people, carers, or local authorities involved.
How can I get involved with Lumina as a volunteer?
You can get involved by becoming a mentor, or offering your time and skills. Explore our ‘Get Involved’ page to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can contribute.
What kind of support is provided to volunteers or mentors?
Lumina offers comprehensive administrative support, training, and ongoing assistance to volunteers, ensuring they're well-equipped and supported in their roles.
What subjects are covered in Lumina's tutoring program?
Lumina covers a wide range of subjects. Currently, there's a high demand for specialists in English, Maths, and Science, although experts in all fields are welcome.
How long does a mentor work with a student?
A mentor typically works with the same student throughout an entire academic cycle, usually up to a public exam, ensuring a lasting and impactful relationship.
How can schools or local authorities partner with Lumina?
Schools and local authorities interested in partnering with Lumina can reach out through our contact page to explore collaboration opportunities and the benefits of partnership.
Are there opportunities for businesses or organisations to collaborate with Lumina?
Yes, Lumina actively seeks partnerships with businesses, community organisations, and charities to maximise its impact. Contact us to discuss collaboration possibilities.
FAQs
Your questions answered
Explore our frequently asked questions section to learn more about Lumina's programs, eligibility, and the impact we create.
What is Lumina's primary mission?
Lumina's core mission is to provide transformative, personalised online tutoring and mentorship to empower vulnerable young people, fostering academic success, building self-esteem, and creating a supportive network.
What measurable impact has Lumina made so far?
Lumina has supported over 60 children and young people looked after, across all educational Key Stages, resulting in significant improvements in academic performance and raised levels of confidence among students.
Who is eligible to benefit from Lumina's programs?
Lumina primarily supports children and young people in or on the edge of care, including those in local authority care, offering tailored educational support to help them thrive.
Is there any cost involved in participating as a student or carer?
No, Lumina provides its services entirely free of cost to the young people, carers, or local authorities involved.
How can I get involved with Lumina as a volunteer?
You can get involved by becoming a mentor, or offering your time and skills. Explore our ‘Get Involved’ page to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can contribute.
What kind of support is provided to volunteers or mentors?
Lumina offers comprehensive administrative support, training, and ongoing assistance to volunteers, ensuring they're well-equipped and supported in their roles.
What subjects are covered in Lumina's tutoring program?
Lumina covers a wide range of subjects. Currently, there's a high demand for specialists in English, Maths, and Science, although experts in all fields are welcome.
How long does a mentor work with a student?
A mentor typically works with the same student throughout an entire academic cycle, usually up to a public exam, ensuring a lasting and impactful relationship.
How can schools or local authorities partner with Lumina?
Schools and local authorities interested in partnering with Lumina can reach out through our contact page to explore collaboration opportunities and the benefits of partnership.
Are there opportunities for businesses or organisations to collaborate with Lumina?
Yes, Lumina actively seeks partnerships with businesses, community organisations, and charities to maximise its impact. Contact us to discuss collaboration possibilities.
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Sign up for our newsletter
You can stay informed about Lumina's updates, success stories, and events by subscribing to our newsletter or following our social media channels.
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy
Sign up for our newsletter
You can stay informed about Lumina's updates, success stories, and events by subscribing to our newsletter or following our social media channels.
By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy
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