"When looking at placement year options, City Year kept cropping up but it felt unattainable. I didn’t think I could do it but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made was to get over that fear and dive in headfirst.
City Year volunteering isn’t just something you do, it’s something you feel, live and
carry with you long after your year of service is over. It’s a demanding role but it’s
also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Thank you to everyone
who makes City Year happen."
Not all heroes wear capes; some help children find theirs
Over the course of this year, our incredible City Year mentors have ‘saved the day’ not through grand gestures, but through countless small acts of care and commitment. Their heroism shows up in the quiet words of encouragement, in moments that gently lift children’s self-belief and stretch their sense of what’s possible. As a headteacher at one of our partner schools so powerfully explained:
“Through small but mighty moments, the relationship between City Year mentors and the children they support develops and grows and so does the children’s confidence and resilience. Those moments that the City Year team deliver – that’s what these children need.”
Because of our mentors’ dedication, children from some of our most disadvantaged communities were able to find their feet, or sometimes put themselves back on track. In this report, you’ll read how one child discovered confidence through chess, while another was captivated by a whole new world of books. You’ll also see just how personal this year was for the mentors themselves, as they witnessed those changes unfolding day by day:
“I’ve had the opportunity to grow in ways I never imagined. I was challenged, stretched, and inspired-personally and professionally. This chapter may be closing, but the impact will stay with me forever.”
In our 15th year, innovation remained just as central to our work as it was when we began. Our anniversary gave us a welcome chance to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come. A real highlight was our Summer Fair, where we celebrated alongside more than 100 supporters, from children and their families to corporate partners. As we look ahead, we want to sincerely thank all our partners who have walked this journey with us, whether this year or across the last 15. We hope this report continues to inspire many more to join us.
A Day in the Life of a City Year Mentor
Like all superheroes, our mentors are ALWAYS READY. In school four days a week for a year, they are someone for pupils to turn to; someone who is there just for them.
My mentor is understanding and gave me a chance even though I felt people had written me off.”
Pupil Partner School
Fighting For Children’s Futures
At the heart of our programme are strong, trusting mentoring relationships. 727 children from 15 schools across London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands were chosen with teachers and support staff to receive 1:1 mentoring from City Year UK.
Anyone can be a hero with City Year UK. During the 2024–2025 academic year, 123 young people volunteered with us, making a long-lasting impact in schools while kickstarting their own careers.
City Year UK is built on youth social action and that extends beyond the school gates and into our communities. Alongside their mentoring role, each team of young people developed their own social action project, and worked side by side with our corporate partners to support children in our local communities.
I’d like to recognise Hannah’s mentor for her incredible work. Hannah is often withdrawn in lessons but the rapport her mentor has built is being used so effectively to encourage participation; after-school study sessions are a huge step for her.”
Hannah’s maths teacher *Pupil name has been changed
Championing the hardest to reach children
Mentoring at an alternative education provider
Sakshi's Story
"From the beginning, I was thrust into situations that required adaptability, empathy
and creativity. The environment was intense at times, especially when students
shared traumatic experiences, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned how
to hold space for vulnerable young people while not carrying that emotional burden
home, a skill I continue to work on but one that has undoubtedly made me more
resilient."
If you want ‘to be the change’, then join. I was neglected and almost put into foster care when I was younger. [...] I never felt heard or understood, so I wanted to be that change, I wanted to be that person for someone else and I can confidently say I was. That's my biggest achievement by far."
City Year mentor 2024-2025
How Changing Children’s Lives Changed Mentors’ Own
What sets my career mentor apart is how deeply she listens. [...] My mentor truly embodies what it means to be a ‘Bridge Builder’. She builds people up. She bridges gaps - not just between City Year and the future, but between self doubt and self-belief.”
City Year Mentor 2024-2025
Partnering to unlock potential
Meaningful partnerships are fundamental to the breadth and depth of difference we make to children and young people.
In 2024-2025:
242 volunteers inspired and guided the next generation
Sharing insights, advice and expertise on cross-sector careers and skills development through talks, panels, networking, workshops and mentoring
61 volunteers supported us as ambassadors, advocates and advisers
Spreading our message, shaping our strategy and celebrating our mentors.
the generous support of over 30 sponsors and individual donors made our 15th anniversary Summer Fair possible
We are proud to share our impact with:
Akin
Ardian
Bain Capital
Bank of America
Baron Davenport’s Charity
BGF Foundation
CVC Capital Partners Limited
DHL UK Foundation
E B M Charitable Trust
Garfield Weston Foundation
Gowling WLG (UK) Charitable Trust
HarbourVest
The Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust
Howden
Jefferies
John Scott Charitable Trust
Lillie Johnson Charitable Trust
Mastercard
National Citizen Service Trust
Souter Charitable Trust
St James’s Place Charitable Foundation
The Drapers’ Charitable Fund
The John Armitage Charitable Trust
The Joseph Strong Frazer Trust
The Merriman Charitable Foundation
The Pamela Barlow Charitable Trust
The Roger & Douglas Turner Charitable Trust
The W O Street Charitable Foundation
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
We want to say a big thank you to our donors, partners, staff and everyone who has provided, and continues to provide, such vital support for our organisation.
