Ripple Learning ‘Spotlight Series’: introducing Jamie Sayer, Ripple’s founder.
Starting off with a nice easy one: tell us a little about yourself!
“I’ll keep this one short as we have far more interesting things to talk about! I grew up in one of those leafy London suburbs, Surrey, going to a lovely prep school before doing my Common Entrance and going to Hampton at 13. Once I finished my GCSEs, my family moved to the south of Spain – which, in hindsight was quite a drastic switch. Coincidentally, I was really starting to enjoy my languages at this time and the move did help me to develop that. The two years I spent at sixth form in Spain were a real period of growth for me. From there I went on to study French and Spanish at UCL in London, spending time in Cordoba and Lyon as part of that”.
And the move into tutoring?
“To be honest, it came from a desire to really master Spanish. So, after university, I moved to Madrid and set up a tuition company teaching English. I’ve always enjoyed the act of learning, finding new ways to retain information and building relationships – so I guess tuition was a natural fit for me.
I love working with people 1-2-1 and seeing them grow – especially when I’ve had a hand in that. It’s a very authentic setting where you can get to the core of what makes a person tick. Tutees come from a place of curiosity and humility, wanting to grow, and I really enjoy gaining people’s trust and exploring that together”.
That’s some good insight into your introduction to tutoring. So what inspired Ripple specifically, and its mission of giving away 40% of profit? Did it come out of the pandemic, or did you have ideas prior?
“There were a lot of factors at play. When the pandemic hit, I was Head of Client Services at a private tuition agency in London as well as tutoring in the evenings – so I managed to witness the private tuition sector boom first-hand.
At the same time, a spotlight was being shone on the difficulties being faced by disadvantaged students in the UK. I guess Ripple came about through trying to somehow harness the success of the tuition sector to improve the lived experiences of kids that need it.
At the time, my initial thoughts were to volunteer slots in my evening to tutoring those that couldn’t afford it – but on top of my own students, I realised I’d only be able to help a few extras…it wasn’t a long-term scalable solution. I spoke to a number of our teachers and tutors – and a couple of clients – to hear their thoughts: there was a unanimous desire to help, but uncertainty as to how to do it outside of volunteering. After a fair bit of research and a few indecipherable mind maps, the idea for Ripple Learning finally materialised. Inspiration can come in strange forms: as well as The Sutton Trust’s invaluable reporting, it was having ‘WhoGivesACrap’ TP around that got the profit donation idea into my head!”
It’s interesting that you went to private school yourself. Has that experience influenced you at all in what you’re trying to do with Ripple?
“Yes. Honestly, I wasn’t the perfect student (…understatement!). I had peaks and definite troughs at school. There were many times when I really wasn’t doing that well. But I had some great teachers who had the time and space to put support in place, kept picking me up, and who seemed to refuse to let me fail. It wasn’t visible to me at the time, but it made me think that if I were in a school environment where they didn’t have the resources to give me those chances, I definitely wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. I want students from all backgrounds to have the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances”.
You talk quite passionately about the teachers who put you back on the right track. How does that come into Ripple?
“I’m vocal about how the tutors are Ripple’s greatest asset. There are many people with subject expertise, but it’s another thing to be able to tap into a student’s particular personality and learning style and know how best to teach them. On top of all that, tutors have to be a compassionate mentor for kids who experience those same educational peaks and troughs that I spoke about. You have to both inspire and reassure them, because it’s not always smooth sailing”.
Of the teachers who put you back on track, who were the standouts for you?
“I remember when my first Spanish teacher, Mr Blachford, handed back my first attempt at the first set homework, he had written “if you carry on like this, you have a bright future in languages young man!’. And I’ve never forgotten that – that vote of confidence ignited my self-belief and passion for Spanish. As tutors, we should always be trying to be THAT role model for our students”.
That’s really nice. You’ve spoken quite candidly about some of the really memorable moments you have of your own teachers – so to turn the tables, what’s the most memorable moment you’ve had as a tutor?
“It’s really hard to pick! I receive some lovely long messages from grateful parents and students, so those are always nice to read back. But what I like most are the moments where a student shocks themselves with their new-found ability to answer a question that they previously couldn’t. It often results in an “Oh…Is that all there is to it?!” attitude, which is so lovely to see. Those moments: where something clicks, their doubts start to give way to self-belief, and they’re excited to learn more – those are my favourite.
Also, if you want stand-up material – spend time with kids. They have no filter and it’s refreshingly hilarious”.
Very diplomatic, not picking any favourite students. So, right at the beginning of your Ripple journey – any last words for the people who are following?
“It’s incredibly humbling to see anyone, especially people outside of your direct circle, believe in your idea. The boost that we get just from people following or sending messages of support – it shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s not easy to start something new, especially when where we’re looking to do things a bit differently. So, thanks so much, and do keep sharing and following and spreading the word! The more we grow the more we can give back, and by even just following what we’re doing you’re playing a role in what we’re trying to achieve, so thank you”.