A FLINTSHIRE student has gone back to school to help raise the grades.

As the government promises £350m funding for schools to help their students through tutoring post COVID, one former Flintshire sixth former has helped raise exam results by two grades - and will be returning to school for a second year instead of going to university.

Jennifer Haynes, 18, of Connah’s Quay, has been tutoring other young people for almost 12 months now. She started helping at her own school, Connah’s Quay High, before moving to Ysgol Treffynnon in Holywell - and loves it so much that she has put off her higher education plans to continue training.

She said: "I was approaching the end of my A levels and I wasn’t really sure what path I wanted to take in terms of my career.

"I signed up with Trafford tutoring organisation Yipiyap, which led to my positions in both schools, and it has been brilliant - I know that I definitely want to work in education as a result of this experience.

"I’ve assisted year 10 and 11 learners with preparing for their speaking and listening assessments, which are worth 20 per cent of their overall GCSE English Language grade.

"On average, each learner I have worked with has gone up by two grades in comparison to their first attempts. Students would say to me that they would never have had the confidence to do it without me. As I am of a similar age, I believe that they find it easy to connect with me and trust me.

"I want to be that role model figure that they remember once they leave school, the one that leaves a lasting impact and gives them the encouragement they need to believe in themselves."

Yipiyap provides peer tutors to schools all over the UK. Founded in 2012 by former maths teacher Anne Morris, the organisation harnesses the talent of high-achieving school leavers and following a thorough interview process, places them with schools for their gap year. The organisation has seen a record number of applications this year as students defer university or travelling plans.

John Weir, headteacher at Ysgol Treffynnon, said: "Jennifer made a great impact on the learners she supported last academic year.

"Peer learning certainly helped the confidence of our students and we have seen students thrive through Jennifer’s involvement. Jennifer has also been pivotal in progressing the learning of targeted students, of all abilities, in both GCSE English Language and GCSE Literature.

"She has also supported the work of our English faculty through her online learning support and with her production of videos to supplement students’ learning of GCSE literature during lockdown.

"Jennifer’s contribution continues to enhance our remote learning provision, ensuring that we continue to keep students, especially our GCSE students, positively engaged."

Anne Morris, founder of Yipiyap added: "We often see our tutors rethink their future plans once they realise how much they enjoy teaching.

"They learn so much from the classroom and gain whole new skillsets that help shape their future. We’re delighted that Jennifer’s experiences have been so positive."