Character Programme

How it works

Why the Character Programme

The Character Programme pairs children with a role model for personal development. 

The Character Programme pairs students of all ages with a mentor to deliver 1:1 sessions focused on developing oracy, character and exam readiness. Helping to encourage a love for learning in those less motivated. 

  • Readiness

    Feeling prepared for the next challenges

    Session's cover forming productive habits, conflict resolution, wellbeing, starting a business, careers, interviews and more.

  • Oracy

    Speaking, listening and understanding

    Sessions cover situational empathy, active listening, the dynamics of feedback, negotiation, debating, public speaking and more.

  • Character

    Confidence and self-reflection

    Sessions cover values, goals, motivation, being a team player, social movements, poetry and image analysis and more.

How it works

Programme timeline

Step 1

Find the perfect mentor

After getting to know your child, we’ll suggest a mentor pairing based on relevant experiences, backgrounds and matching interests. Our mentors are not only highly educated but have been successful in careers such as in law, finance and medicine all the way to the world of journalism and theatre.

Step 2

Start the Character Handbook

Using framework developed by the Oxford Character Project, mentors and students work through our extensive Character Handbook. The 150-page booklet includes session guides, interactive exercises and takeaway tips that focus on the three outcomes: readiness, oracy and character.

Step 3

Monitor progress and next steps

You will receive progress reports following each session from your mentor and regular check-ins from our team. This ensures you have oversight over the process and that we’re working towards the results you’re looking for.

Step 4

Ongoing support and adjustments

Maintain progress through regular consultations and updates, adjusting the course as needed based on your child’s progress and feedback.

Our mentors

Meet our Character Programme mentors

Featured
Barnaby P
Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English
Barnaby P
Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English

I'm an experienced mentor moving to Seoul in the Autumn who loves to travel, loves sport and working with young people.

Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English
Felix L
Interviews, UCAS, English, STEM
Felix L
Interviews, UCAS, English, STEM

I am Oppidan's General Manager in Seoul, having spent the last five years teaching and living in Asia.

Interviews, UCAS, English, STEM
Walter K
Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English
Walter K
Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English

Oppidan co-founder who loves racquet sports, running and the behavioural psychology behind working with children.

Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English
Henry F
Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English
Henry F
Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English

Oppidan co-founder; 2,000+ hrs of mentoring; 311 shows in the Bob Marley Musical; passion for CFC, golf and rackets.

Humanities, Interviews, UCAS, English

Frequently asked questions

  • The programme is for children aged 10 to 18, with the delivery tailored accordingly.

  • Typically, once a week but this can be adjusted around your child’s schedule.

  • We’ve designed the Character Journey with the help of world-leading experts on character education, the Oxford Character Project. 

  • The programmes core focus is the ROC (readiness, oracy and character) development as opposed to deliberate academic outcomes, although an improvement in the three components will often correlate with better exam results.

  • Mentors follow our Character Handbook with exercises divided into three key outcomes. 

  • Almost always we recommend a hybrid approach. The first session is wherever possible, in person, to establish a good rapport and thenceforth online to make scheduling easier.

  • We don’t expect you to want or need to change your mentor. Families are permitted one change if things aren’t working effectively.