During the past year, eight NHEHS teachers volunteered their time to take part in the Lumina programme, organised by Harrow School to support looked after children of all ages. The vision of the programme is to have a network of teachers to take part in this scheme so that hundreds of looked after children have extra access to devices and qualified educators who will support them in a subject/area of their choosing. As well as teaching, teachers acted as mentors, encouragers and role models to inspire the young people with whom they work, from primary school age up to the Sixth Form.

The project started during the first lockdown, with NHEHS teachers volunteering from the start of this academic year. Students were tutored 1-to-1 virtually on weekly sessions. Miss O’Connor,  Mr Quarmby and Dr Li taught Maths, while Dr Pearce, Ms Miller, Ms Brown and Mr Cheney taught Biology. Our Senior School teachers were joined by Miss Farrell from the Junior School who focused on the Primary School curriculum. 

Some students had not had a live lesson in six months when the volunteering started as the pandemic had exacerbated many of the challenges faced by the children.

Mr Dalton, Director of Shaftesbury Enterprise, Harrow School’s initiative focused on improving the educational outcomes and life opportunities for young people said, “We are hugely grateful for all the support that NHEHS have given to the looked after children Lumina project this year, it has been a great effort and we have achieved a great deal with your help and support.”