Students into Schools programme

If your course allows, you can complete a Students into Schools placement for academic credit as part of your degree programme.

The current available modules are:  

• MATH2800 Maths into Schools
• CHEM3615 Chemistry into Schools
• PHYS3605 Physics in Schools
• PHYS5440M Advanced Physics in Schools
• GEOG3535 School and Educational Placements
• MODL2001 Linguists into Schools
• MODL2005 Linguists into Schools
• MODL3800 Linguists into Schools
• FOAH2020 Towards the Future: Skills in Context

If you are unsure whether Students into Schools is an option on your course, contact the named module leader. 

Students into Schools modules are not available through normal online enrolment – you will need to complete an application on MyCareer. 

How the placements work

You will complete 25 to 40 hours in school between November and April, supporting the work of teachers by: 

• working as a classroom assistant
• supporting small groups of target students
• using your subject knowledge and enthusiasm to make learning more engaging.

You will be assessed on how you reflect on your experience in school and what it has taught you about the teaching and learning of your degree subject.

How to apply

Applications for 2024-25 placements modules are now closed. We will update this page when the next application cycle opens.

When applications open, you will need to:

1. complete the application form, demonstrating why you are a suitable candidate
2. provide the details of two suitable referees
3. source the relevant documentation to pass a DBS check.

If you need help with your application, email the Students into Schools team at sis@leeds.ac.uk.

Volunteering with Students into Schools is available to all students and is a great way to boost your CV whilst giving back to the local community.  

Volunteers sign up to a weekly morning or afternoon session in a primary or secondary school for a minimum of 30 hours from October.

You might spend your time: 

• as a teaching assistant 
• supporting children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) 
• supporting children learning English (EAL) 
• running an after-school club 
• supporting a primary school reading scheme 
• mentoring pupils in small groups or one-to-one.

If you have a specific skill or passion that you would like to share, include it in your application.

Benefits of volunteering with Students into Schools include:  

• training in how to safeguard children
• experience of working closely with children and staff in an educational environment
• developing skills in time management, managing competing responsibilities, effective team working and communication  
• helping you make an informed decision about a career in teaching – Students into Schools works with initial teacher training providers
• financial support – the programme pays for your DBS check and your travel to and from school
• enhancing young people’s education in communities that need it most. 

How to apply

Applications for 2024-25 volunteering placements are now closed. We will update this page when the next application cycle opens. 

When applications open, you will need to:  

1. complete the application form, demonstrating why you are a suitable candidate 
2. provide the details of two suitable referees
3. source the relevant documentation to pass a DBS check.

If you need help with your application, email the Students into Schools team at sis@leeds.ac.uk.

If you are involved in a Leeds University Union (LUU) society, the Societies into Schools programme is a great way to have an impact in the local community, teach your society members new skills and have fun working with young people. 

Your society can plan a workshop or series of activities to run in a local primary, secondary or sixth form. 

Here are some examples of activities previously run through Societies into Schools: 

• Girls Training Together – fitness and dance sessions with girls from years five and six, helping them build confidence.
• SASHA – introductory workshops on consent.
• Nutritank – teaching primary school children about healthy eating.
• Law Soc – seminars with sixth formers, introducing them to key concepts and inspiring the next generation of lawyers.
• Cutting Edge – spoke to sixth formers about applying for medicine and showed them how to use suturing kits.
• Leeds Student Radio – spoke to college students and broadcast them on the radio.

If you would like to talk about how your society can get involved, email the Students into Schools team at sis@leeds.ac.uk.