In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the number of children seeking tutoring services. Recent research by Ipsos and the Sutton Trust highlights this trend, indicating that approximately one-third of secondary school students in England and Wales have participated in private tutoring. The study, encompassing 2,394 secondary school children aged 11 to 16, found that 30% of students reported receiving private tuition.
Deciding whether your child requires a tutor can indeed be overwhelming. Here, we delve into several common reasons why your child may find tutoring beneficial.
Catching Up and Staying Ahead
With average class sizes in the UK of around 30 pupils, personalised attention from teachers can be limited, making it difficult for some students to keep up. Classroom teachers often struggle to meet the individual needs of each student due to the sheer number of pupils. This can leave some children behind, especially those who may need extra help understanding certain concepts. According to a study by the Education Endowment Foundation, one-on-one tutoring can accelerate learning by five additional months over a school year. Personalised attention ensures that gaps in understanding are identified and addressed promptly, preventing small issues from becoming significant obstacles. This tailored approach allows children to master fundamental concepts at their own pace, boosting their confidence and academic performance.
Exam Preparation
Tutoring is particularly beneficial when it comes to preparing for important exams such as the 11+, GCSEs, and A-Levels. These exams can be daunting, but with the right guidance, students can approach them with confidence. Tutors can provide practice tests, revision strategies, and personalised feedback to ensure students are well-prepared. This tailored preparation can be crucial for gaining admission to their chosen secondary school or university. If your tutor is an experienced school teacher, they will have a valuable understanding of the specific exam boards, providing their students with a significant advantage.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
While schools do provide some level of support for children with learning disabilities, this support may not always be adequate to meet every child’s unique needs. Many children with learning disabilities require more personalised and intensive assistance than what is available in a typical classroom setting. This is where tutors with expertise in Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND) come into play. These tutors are specifically trained to address a variety of learning disabilities, offering tailored instruction that can significantly enhance a child’s understanding and performance in their studies.
In UK schools, certain teachers are trained and experienced in providing specialised strategies and tools that help children overcome specific challenges associated with their disabilities. For instance, they can use multi-sensory teaching methods, break down complex tasks into manageable steps, and offer frequent, targeted feedback. This individualised approach helps to ensure that children with learning disabilities can grasp essential concepts and keep pace with their peers.
Gifted and Talented
Tutoring is often perceived as a resource primarily for students who are struggling with some of the content covered in schools. However, it is equally valuable for gifted children who may find the traditional school curriculum too slow-paced and unchallenging. These highly capable students often complete their work quickly and may become disengaged or bored when the material does not sufficiently stimulate their intellectual curiosity.
For gifted children, a tutor can provide an enriched learning environment that goes beyond the standard curriculum. Tutors can introduce advanced topics and concepts that are not typically covered in the classroom. This exposure to more challenging material can help maintain the child’s interest and motivation in their studies.
Extended Absences from School
Students often miss school due to illness, frequent family travel, or intensive sports commitments. These absences can create learning gaps, making it challenging for children to keep up with their peers. Tutoring during or after these periods of absence can effectively bridge these gaps. By providing personalised, focused instruction, tutors help students catch up on missed material, ensuring they remain on track academically. This support is crucial for maintaining their educational progress and confidence, preventing long-term academic setbacks due to their absences.
Still not sure if your child needs a tutor?
If you are still uncertain about whether your child needs a tutor, I recommend discussing it with their teachers to get their professional insights. Most importantly, have a conversation with your child to understand their perspective. It is crucial that they feel involved in the decision-making process, as their comfort and agreement are vital for the tutoring to be effective.
Ready to find a tutor?
It is important to recognise that the effectiveness of tutoring significantly depends on the quality and experience of the tutor. An inexperienced and unqualified tutor can make learning more confusing and frustrating for the child, potentially doing more harm than good. With the vast array of tutoring agencies available online, finding the right tutor for your child can be daunting. Here’s where I Tutor Club steps in. Our platform, crafted and managed by school teachers, comprehends the unique requirements and learning styles of students. By entrusting us with your child’s needs, we meticulously handpick the most compatible tutor.
Rest assured, all our tutors are UK-qualified, with extensive experience in teaching the National Curriculum at a primary and secondary level. Additionally, they undergo DBS checks, ensuring your child is in safe and capable hands.
If you are ready to find a tutor or seek further details about our services, kindly complete a contact form on our website to schedule a complimentary consultation. This consultation will offer an opportunity to discuss your child’s specific needs and academic goals, allowing us to tailor our tutoring approach accordingly. We look forward to assisting you in facilitating your child’s educational journey and helping them achieve their full potential.