The rise of tutoring, Hugo Sutton

The rise of tutoring Hugo Sutton asks what consumers and tutors can expect from this growing industry

Private tutoring is amongst the earliest forms of education. The Ancient Greek education system had a formal public school setting, but this was also heavily influenced by the use of private tutors. Aristotle and Plato certainly paved the way for many of the ideas that underpin modern pedagogy and classroom learning, but with Aristotle famously providing private tutoring to Alexander the Great, the phenomenon is clearly not a new one.

Nevertheless, with the global private tutoring market expecting to reach a value of $177,921 million by 2026 (Zion Market Research 2019) the debate surrounding the use of and value of private tutors is likely to continue apace.

So, what can both consumers and tutors expect as this industry continues to grow and where does the value lie in the modern tutoring industry, both financially and academically?

Private tuition is a controversial aspect of the modern educational dialogue. With issues surrounding social mobility and the provision of education high on the agenda for the government, it is worth understanding the value that this industry has and the ways in which all parties involved in tutoring can benefit from this side of the education industry.

One of the key reasons why parents may employ the use of a private tutor is to help with the stressful periods of transition that students go through at various stages of their education. Whether that be from primary to secondary, GCSE to A level, or onwards to university, most tuition revolves around support at these stages. For students these transition periods are key and can define the progress that they make throughout their academic careers. Schools of course place a heavy emphasis on these stages as well and teachers will be providing their own support at these key stages to their pupils. Nevertheless, with increasing pressures on teachers at all stages and the ever growing class numbers, many students may feel the need to look for supplementary support, particularly if there is a subject that they are struggling with.

It is at this point that parents might first dip their toes in the murky world of private tuition. The difficulty is working out where to start. From retired teachers who advertise in the local paper, to online platforms with thousands of tutors, where should parents start and what should they be looking for?

There are some important factors to bear in mind when looking for a tutor and these can vary considerably depending on the support that a child needs. Cost is a major factor and as with any industry there is a need to strike the happy medium. Whilst the £20 an hour support from the 16 year-old down the road may seem attractive, it is less likely that they will be able to provide the depth of support that a child may need to help them to develop their understanding beyond the classroom.

The best bet is to approach a reputable consultancy for advice and support. Although the cost may be higher, the security and, importantly, value for money that these agencies

provide is what sets them apart. Most of the top consultancies that provide tuition will ensure that the correct tutor is matched to a child, based not only upon their subject knowledge but also their character and suitability to provide specific support as discussed with the parents. These tutors will normally be graduates who are either tutoring full time professionally or providing support alongside their own day jobs. Parents can expect that these tutors will have been interviewed and assessed by the agency, but parents should always ask about whether an agency conducts DBS checks on their tutors as well.

From there on it is up to parents to decide what support they would like. The variety of support that is available is an attractive prospect for many families who are looking to employ a tutor. Support can be at a child’s home in person, via online platforms such as skype, or even in a suitable public space such as a local library. It is this flexibility that has allowed more and more students to benefit from tuition in recent years.

It is also important to look at the industry from the point of view of tutors. Despite the recent announcement of an increase

in teacher salaries by 2.75%, many teachers will supplement their incomes in a variety of ways. Although exam marking has always been a popular choice, many education professionals are increasingly looking towards tutoring as an alternative.

One recent tutor to come through the doors at Gabbitas explained why he decided to tutor alongside his teaching career.

‘…it is the flexibility that attracts me most of all. Compared to exam marking where I would have to be holed up throughout the marking period, tutoring allows me greater flexibility. 2 years ago I had an online tutee whom I tutored throughout the summer and was able to continue to deliver lessons even when I went away for a week to Crete.’

This flexibility is one of the main factors that influences teachers to tutor in their spare time. Nevertheless, many tutors are not necessarily practicing teachers, and for these tutors the motivation may be different. Recent graduates who enter the working world will often want to keep in touch with their academic studies and, for many, tutoring will enable them to do this by delivering support to students who may be looking to follow in their academic footsteps. Tutors gain a huge amount of satisfaction in helping their students succeed and a recent graduate commented recently whilst attending an interview at Gabbitas:

‘I helped a student study for his GCSE exam in just 6 months and when he achieved his desired grade I was over the moon. Helping him in the evenings alongside my office job gave me a real sense of fulfilment.’

The financial motivations are evident within an industry that is continuing to grow, but the best tutors are those who really invest in their pupils, and finding these top tutors can make all the difference for students at critical stages of their education.

With a study by the Sutton Trust in 2016 showing that a quarter of all 11 to 16 year-olds have received tuition, it is a part of the education industry that is seeing no sign of slowing down. Whether you are a parent or a prospective tutor, it is part of the education world which looks likely to rise from strength to strength.

Hugo Sutton is a qualified teacher and tutor consultant at Gabbitas, a leading educational consultancy providing tuition and education support to schools and families since 1873