Why there will always be a need for private a level tuition

The private tuition sector is booming but not yet regulated. With this there is a need to be more diligent in getting the right tutor to help you. Tuition is still a cottage industry and there are no compulsory formal qualifications or regulation. With this, you can be sure to come across some tutors almost literally chancing how they go about their work.

Private tuition agencies have reported a surge in demand to help children catch up with lost learning since the pandemic hit – but parents are being warned to check the qualifications of their tutor to ensure they are not wasting time and money.

Be careful

As more parents recruit tutors, experts are warning that they need to ensure they are choosing the right person for their child. Some organisations don’t use professional tutors but do their own checks and training, which can be more affordable and accessible for schools or parents who are paying for the support.

The upturn in people looking to hire in and use a tutor for their child

The use of private tutors was already on the rise before the coronavirus outbreak in 2020 and now agencies claim the pandemic has helped reduce the stigma around tuition. Research by the Sutton Trust in 2019 found 27 per cent of 11- to 16-year-olds had received tuition. This is up from 18 per cent in 2005. The number is likely to have increased among pupils of all ages after 18 months of school closures. This will have caused endless class disruption during the pandemic. Research by the Education Policy Institute (EPI) for the Government found primary school pupils were assessed to be three-and-a-half months behind in maths and 2.2 months behind in reading by March 2021 after the third UK lockdown.

What to look for in a tutor

The lack of mandatory qualifications and regulation can make it hard to find the right tutor for your child. The Tutors’ Association (TTA) suggests word of mouth to get personal recommendations or using an agency that would have vetted and recruited appropriate people to help your child. It may also be worth checking if your child’s school has any approved providers. Parents should consider their reasons for hiring a tutor and whether their child genuinely needs one, or if they are just copying others, which can be counter-productive and a waste of time and money.

If you don’t go through a professional agency, make sure your tutor has a DBS check. See it so you are aware of any past criminal convictions or cautions that could raise concerns.

Customised learning – a key overall benefit

One of the biggest advantages of private tuition is that lessons can easily be customised to suit each student. Whereas in school a student may be at a disadvantage, if, for example they work at a different pace to the rest of the class, or need to focus more attention on a specific aspect of the course, private tuition largely negates these problems.

Learners will benefit from the fact that a tutor can adjust the pace, focus and goals of a lesson depending on the needs and abilities of the student, meaning that learning efficiency will be maximised. This is an especially important point to note for any students that have learning disorders, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. A good tutor will be able to take this into account and be a great benefit to a student.

You are able to get a one to one learning experience

Another huge positive gained from private tuition is the amount of time a student will receive from a teacher. As private tuition is usually on a one-to-one basis, teachers can focus their attention fully on a student. This is obviously a huge advantage. This is compared classes of twenty to thirty pupils where a teacher’s time is divided. To add to this, this is also where individuals can very easily become lost in the crowd. With less distractions, the tutor is better able to given you their time. They can work on a student’s weak points, making the whole learning process more effective.

You get to choose who teaches you

Students will respond better to a teacher that is suited to them, in terms of both temperament and learning style. Unlike school, where students generally have very little, if any, choice in regards to who their teachers are, opting for private tuition does allow the student or their parents to pick a tutor that they feel comfortable with. There is such a wide range of tutors available. All have their own strengths, specialities and learning styles, there is bound to be a tutor that is well suited to each and every student. Finding the right tutor, that can engage and inspire, can really make a big difference for the learner.

It can work wonders for your confidence

As private tuition is usually one-to-one, tutors and students are able to work much more closely. They can also develop stronger relationships than would otherwise be possible in a larger class. The impact that this can have on a student is profound. Teachers are able to get to know their students better, and so will find it easier to spot potential problems and give them assistance. For shy students, being in a learning environment with less people can also help. This is as they are able to express themselves, as they are under less pressure from their peers.

What you need to know overall

Private tuition is personalised support provided by a private tutor or a teacher outside of school. The primary purpose of private tuition is to help school children to achieve their study goals and reach their potential. Research suggests that students who receive private tuition progress faster. For this reason, it’s no wonder private tuition is becoming more and more popular especially. Now more than ever, thanks to the COVID pandemic and all challenges it has brought to learning, parents are seeking the best private tutoring services for their children. If this sounds like you and you feel the last year has impacted your child’s learning, Private Tuition Specialists are here to help and provide the best possible personalised support.