Being a form tutor is often an integral part of becoming a secondary school teacher and one of the aspects most new teachers look forward to when accepting their first teaching role. The chance to spend time with a group of students regularly and enrich their school experience—while also serving as a mentor, cheerleader, counsellor, and role model – is a challenge to be embraced.
Here are some top tips to help you make the most of your role as a form tutor—both to maximise your enjoyment and to support your tutor group as effectively as possible.
Explore a collection of best-reviewed tutor time activities here
Readiness to learn
As a form tutor, you are often the first member of staff students encounter at the start of the day, and you’re in a great position to guide them with strategies to stay organised and be ready to learn. Establishing clear routines and expectations around behaviour, attitude, and attainment is essential for preparing learners for the day ahead and can significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents. One simple habit to introduce at the start of form time is asking students to open their homework planners and place their pens on their desks; this serves as a quick equipment check to ensure they’re prepared for the day’s lessons.
For students preparing for assessments or exams, it can be helpful to dedicate time during tutor sessions to explore study skills, time management and revision strategies. Whether it’s creating revision timetables, demonstrating how to break tasks down into manageable steps, or discussing mindfulness and how to use breaks effectively, there’s plenty we can do to support our learners.
Student check-ins
Sometimes learners need a little extra support; as form tutors, teachers are in a privileged position to make a real difference to pupil wellbeing. Whether it’s helping with academic challenges, addressing behavioural concerns, or simply offering a listening ear for personal problems, providing individual support can be key to helping students feel safe, understood, and ready to succeed.
Regular check-ins with your form can be a great way to build trust and get to know your tutees better. These can be scheduled weekly or carried out ad-hoc, depending on when you or your students feel a little extra support might be needed.
Setting clear goals and targets can gently guide students to break down tasks and build confidence through achievable steps. It’s also important to keep open, positive lines of communication with other teachers and parents—working together helps create a strong support network around each learner, ensuring no one slips through the cracks.
Engage your form group
Keep form time engaging and meaningful by incorporating regular group activities that encourage interaction among students. End of term games and quizzes are always popular and work well as paired or group activities that generate excitement. If you find you have a group of quiz enthusiasts, consider making it a weekly tradition that students can look forward to.
Other great ways to spark lively conversation during form time are group games, debates and discussions. Watching episodes of Newsround is a simple way to keep students informed and aware of current events. A “Thought of the Day,” a “What I’m Reading” display, or a “Word of the Week” are also fun ways to engage students both in form time and in their interaction around school. Creating a weekly timetable helps manage students' expectations and gives them a clear structure of activities to look forward to each week.
Check out games and quiz resources on the Teacher Essentials hub to get you started
Form time is also a valuable opportunity to promote culture, community cohesion and awareness of key calendar events. Celebrate and discuss occasions such as Black History Month, British Science Week, Remembrance Day, Holocaust Memorial Day and religious holidays and festivals such as Christmas. These moments offer meaningful ways to foster inclusivity and shared understanding within your form group.
Celebrate your students
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a form tutor is the opportunity to celebrate your students each day. Whether it's academic achievements, reward or house points earned in lessons, sporting successes, or birthdays, it’s a great chance to positively reinforce their efforts and recognise them for their hard work, contributions, and unique qualities. A little praise goes a long way — and it’s a powerful way to show your form group that you see and value each person for who they are.
Why not dedicate a section of your classroom display to your tutor group? Here you could showcase birthdays, achievements, and important form notices — creating a space that reflects and celebrates your group.
Being a form tutor is a fantastic opportunity to build lasting connections with your students as they move through school — and to support them as they grow into confident, capable young people. Make the most of it!