ABSTRACT
Mentoring schemes are growing rapidly. The art of mentoring in schools is practised in many different forms, shapes and sizes. Mentors come from a range of different backgrounds and expertise. Some are highly qualified, well trained and skilled. Others are untrained support staff with minimal qualifications and limited expertise other than a desire and willingness to work with young people. Many mentorship schemes are aimed at needy and vulnerable pupils. These can include pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds, those who are less able, disaffected, truant and who may even be bullied. These pupils may or may not have other forms of special needs including learning deficiencies as well as, very often, low levels of self-esteem. Figure 11.1 provides an outline of popular mentoring schemes.
