Private tutoring in the UK is booming. Recent figures from Independent School Parent reveal that nearly a third (30%) of young people aged 11–16 now have a private tutor, the highest level recorded in more than two decades
The wider picture is just as striking. One in five children now spends more than 100 hours per year working with a tutor outside school, and the industry is estimated to be worth £7.5 billion.
But what’s driving this surge, and how can parents make the right choice in an increasingly crowded marketplace?
Why Tutoring Is On The Rise
The pandemic undoubtedly played a role. Many families felt their children’s academic progress had stalled during periods of remote learning, prompting a renewed focus on additional support.
At the same time, demand for exam preparation has intensified. Competitive entry assessments such as 11+ and Common Entrance exams are fuelling growth, alongside GCSE and A-level preparation. Remote learning and online tuition have also expanded access, giving families more choice than ever before.
Perhaps the most significant shift, however, has been the move away from “one-size-fits-all” tutoring. Parents are increasingly seeking personalised, specialist support tailored to a child’s pace, strengths and specific challenges.
High-quality personalised tutoring doesn’t just improve grades. It builds confidence, increases engagement, and helps children take ownership of their learning, often reigniting a genuine love of education.
What to consider when choosing a tutor
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Safety always comes first
Clearly, when hiring a private tutor, safety is always going to be your top priority, and it’s just as important as their tutoring skills, if not more so. Look for the very highest level of DBS checking plus thorough vetting processes and references. Be sure that every prospective tutor you talk to is properly qualified, trustworthy and highly experienced in and suitable for working with children.
If you know the person who is tutoring your child has been carefully screened, this will give you peace of mind and help to create a safe, supportive learning environment in which they can thrive.
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Communication and progress tracking
Consistent, frequent and transparent communication is a key factor when it comes to choosing your tutor. Ask about how often they’ll update you on how your child’s doing, goal setting and progress measurement.
Tutors who provide proper feedback and measurable outcomes give families confidence that the support their child is receiving is effective.
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Involve your child
Your child’s perspective matters.
Discuss what they feel would help most and involve them in the decision-making process where appropriate. Once sessions begin, check in regularly to ensure they feel comfortable, motivated and supported.
The right tutor–student relationship is built on trust and mutual respect, and that connection can significantly impact progress.
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Set boundaries and expectations
Chat to any new tutor about boundaries and appropriate behaviour before you commit. How, for example, will you communicate with the tutor outside of the sessions? Confirm at the same time that the tutor will only have contact with you or your partner outside sessions, not your child.
Keep a door ajar and ensure that you or another adult remain within earshot during sessions. Don’t go out and leave your child alone with the tutor – they’re there to teach, not to babysit.
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Practical Considerations
Obviously you’ll also need to discuss all the practicalities, from availability and rates to times and days of sessions and so on. You’ll also need to think about where in your home your in-person tutoring sessions should take place.
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Seek Referrals & Reviews
As when researching any service, ask for references and look at reviews from past clients. You could also talk to other parents you trust and see if anyone you know can recommend someone.
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Assess Compatibility
Some of your decision-making will be based on the tutor having experience with your child’s age group and particular needs. Their individual teaching style should also match the way your child learns, plus there should be personal compatibility so that both tutor and tutee can work together effectively. Without that, it will be very hard for anyone to make progress.
Tutors from Home-School Tutoring
Home-School Tutoring has provided high-quality, thoroughly vetted tutors for more than four decades. We have rigorous processes in place so that tuition is engaging and effective. We verify qualifications, obtain references and carry out enhanced DBS checks so that you don’t have to.
We work with pupils of all ages, and have seen tutees through GCSEs, A levels and entrance exams and helped them secure the results they wanted while realising their full potential and, most importantly, falling back in love with learning.
Find your local tutor and learn more about subjects, levels and specialisms covered near you, and we’ll take it from there.
