A pioneering tutoring initiative led by Musselburgh-based Queen Margaret University, in partnership with East Lothian and Midlothian Councils, is in the running for a top award.

The Enhanced Learning Tutoring Initiative (ELTI) has been shortlisted in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ category of THE (Times Higher Education) Awards.

Funded by the STV Children’s Appeal and a local charity, ELTI is enabling school pupils to catch up with learning lost during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Targeted at those identified as requiring additional support, the project is helping senior school pupils across East Lothian and Midlothian. Additionally, tutoring has been made available to community organisations working with young people who have become “disengaged” with education.

Professor Richard Butt, deputy principal of QMU, said: “Tutoring has never before been delivered in Scotland on such a scale and is an exemplar of the power of partnership to tackle community inequalities and close the attainment gap. We recently had confirmation of funding to continue the scheme for another year, which means that hundreds more young people will be supported to reach their potential.”

ELTI offers one-to-one and small group tutoring in all 12 secondary schools in East Lothian and Midlothian, and in community settings.