Our work in Tees Valley

Steff joined Tutor Trust in 2018 as the first full-time member of staff for Merseyside. She had graduated from the University of Leeds the previous year with an MA in Race and Resistance and a BA in International History and Politics. During her studies, Steff was a part-time Secondary English and Primary tutor in Leeds. Seeing the impact small group intervention had on the pupils is why she joined Tutor Trust full-time.

Steff has worked in a variety of roles with us, including Liverpool Schools Coordinator, Merseyside Schools Manager, Merseyside Schools Partnership Manager and now Strategic Operations Manager, where she is responsible for operations across our regions.  Steff is a member of Tutor Trust's digital working group as she is keen to be involved in driving the organisation forward into a digital future. Steff also sits on Tutor Trust's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion committee and participates in the Wellbeing group (alongside being a Mental Health First Responder trained to help with staff wellbeing). She is also a & Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Outside of Tutor Trust, Steff is on the governing board of a large Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) school in Knowsley, the borough where she attended school.

Steff says: “I grew up in a community similar to those we work in, and my experience of school when I was growing up in Merseyside is a key reason why I became committed to working in the education sector and improving educational equality in the North West. Tutor Trust allows me to do that, and I am privileged to work with such a committed team and amazing school partners, who share a common purpose in making education fairer.”

Emily first joined Tutor Trust in 2017 as a Primary Tutor in West Yorkshire whilst completing her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of Leeds. Emily then joined the Tutor Trust as a full-time member of staff in December 2019, where she worked for three years, primarily focussing on the recruitment and training of tutors.

After some time away from the organisation, where she gained both employment and voluntary experience with mental health charities, Emily returned to Tutor Trust in her new role as Hartlepool Programme Coordinator in January 2025.

Emily says: “My primary motive for working with the Tutor Trust remains the same as when I first applied to be a tutor in 2017: I feel passionately about working towards a more fair and equitable society where everybody can thrive. I know the incredible impact the Tutor Trust’s programmes can have on young people, empowering and inspiring them, whilst providing tailored academic support.

As I am from County Durham myself, I am very excited to be a part of the charity’s expansion to the North East, and to make a real difference to the young people of Hartlepool.”

Louise is an alumna of Durham University, where she studied English Language and Linguistics. After graduating, she worked at Teesside University before embarking on her Key Stage 2/3 PGCE, specialising in English. On completion, Louise decided to work within the primary sector where she has taught in Key Stage 2, primarily Year Six, for over twenty years within areas of Teesside which face significant disadvantage. As well as a classroom teacher, she has been whole-school English and Art Lead, Transition Coordinator and Lexonik teacher. After a decision to work part-time, Louise worked as an intervention teacher for smaller groups of students to help prepare them for their SATs and subsequent move to secondary school. She also worked as a tutor as part of the National Tutoring Programme and has seen first-hand the positive impact tutoring can have on a child’s confidence and ability to meet the challenges they face in today’s face-paced world.

Alongside her teaching, Louise works for Capita during the Key Stage 2 National Tests cycle and is Vice-Chair of Governors at her local primary school. She has recently completed her MA Creative Writing at Teesside University where she wrote an anthology of poems exploring the issues facing the region, as well as celebrating the strength, humour and pride found in the people who live and work there.

Louise says: "Throughout my career, I have worked in schools which face considerable challenges and whose young people often face significant disadvantage. My focus has been to support, guide and educate students to the best of my ability and enable them to become successful, confident and independent learners who can reach their full potential. I am proud to join The Tutor Trust in their journey to be a part of an education system that provides excellence, equity and opportunity to every child and young person."

Janet joined us in August 2023. Her background is in the education sector, where she worked for over 20 years as a teacher and teaching assistant. She has also worked in the charitable sector in various voluntary roles including wellbeing and admin.

Janet says: “I am excited to be able to support and enable the West Yorkshire team in delivering programmes which transcend socio-economic barriers and realise young people’s true potential. Tutor Trust is a warm and welcoming place to be, where we hold in common a desire to transform the futures of young people.”

Alex began tutoring part-time with the Tutor Trust in March 2025 while studying Sociology at university, where she developed a particular interest in education and its role in shaping opportunities. During her studies, Alex also worked at a summer camp in America as a gymnastics specialist, teaching and supporting children to build confidence and develop new skills. Now a full-time tutor, Alex is passionate about combining her academic interests and practical experience to help pupils grow in confidence and achieve their potential.  

Alex says: “I was drawn to Tutor Trust because I know first-hand how valuable tutoring can be – I received tutoring myself in college, and it made a real difference to my confidence and progress. Being able to now provide that same support to other young people is something I’m really passionate about. I’m grateful to work with the Tutor Trust, whose mission to make high-quality tutoring accessible to all pupils is something I truly believe in. The role is incredible rewarding, as I get to see pupils grow in confidence and achieve things they never thought possible”.