Our work today

The Figtree Foundation was established to build on the work Ariana did with an educational charity while still a solicitor. Through the Foundation’s services, we aim to offer free, tailored tuition in literacy and numeracy to young children who would otherwise be unable to afford it. Bringing on board the best tutors and mentors, these programmes focus on collective and individual study techniques, preparing for examinations and improving test results. But above all, boosting self-belief and opening the door for as many disadvantaged students as possible.

Our tutors are all encouraged to volunteer with the Figtree Foundation and to play an active part in the Foundation’s initiatives. We are currently focusing on supporting children at primary schools across London, but in the long term, we aim to develop and roll out our services to any child in need across the country.

Focus on Fox Primary

One of our current projects sees our tutors volunteering with disadvantaged children at Fox Primary in Notting Hill. We’re supporting those in receipt of the pupil premium government grant with their maths and English – running after-school clubs for children through years four to six. At least four tutors attend each session, on a totally voluntary basis, with classes of up to 15 students split into smaller groups, based on age and ability. This enables us to offer the personal attention, support and mentoring they need to build core skills – as well as enjoyment and confidence in these key subjects.

Teaming individual help with group activities across year groups allows children to make new bonds with their peers, working together in teams and supporting each other to flourish. The results have proved transformative, and graduation day in year six is a time of mixed emotions – such pride to see how far the children have come, as well as a tear or two as we say goodbye to each wonderful group of newly inspired, motivated learners.

Our charitable roots

Fairness and equality have always been central to the Figtree Learning ethos, and our agency came into life through our work with the educational charity, One Degree. Founded in 2009, the charity empowers students from disadvantaged backgrounds through academic mentoring. Both Figtree Founder, Ariana, and Strategy Director, Misa, were trustees and mentors and instrumental in providing support to underprivileged pupils across London.

Ariana led the academic mentoring programme, supported by our longstanding tutor, Rudi, and Misa was responsible for the operational delivery of the programme to children across 10-plus schools. Together, they helped to develop one of the most extensive mentoring programmes in London – which has supported more than 450 students over the years.

Talking about her work with One Degree, Ariana described it as: ‘The most rewarding experience of my life. Making a difference at grass-roots level, sharing my knowledge and learning from my students’ experiences led to a fundamental change in both my personal and professional life.’ As she explains further on our team page, this was the start of an unwavering commitment to put a philanthropic ethos at the heart of Figtree Learning.

The future looks bright

Whether we’re working remotely or face-to-face, we always take a hands-on approach, combining academic tuition and mentorship to make a measurable impact on results. It’s an ethos that has already seen past students take significant strides forward, and we look forward to continuing to offer nurturing, tailored support to Foundation students in the years to come.