Your Ultimate Guide to Private VS Public Tuition

Children’s education worldwide has been heavily impacted by the global pandemic. National lockdowns in the UK required students to shift to online teaching, which reduced access to classrooms and vital resources. Many students have struggled to catch up academically, making after-school tuition essential for progress.

Balancing schoolwork and play can be tough for children facing academic challenges. While private tutors have long been the go-to option for extra tuition, they can be expensive. However, recent years have seen a rise in more accessible options like after-school tuition classes, including those offering free or heavily subsidized lessons to disadvantaged students.

What is Private Tutoring?

Private tutoring, also known as "shadow education," refers to additional academic lessons delivered outside school hours, usually focusing on one-to-one support tailored to a child’s needs. It can help students struggling academically or those wanting to excel in a particular subject.

Benefits of Private Tutoring:

• Tailored Learning: Private tutors can focus entirely on a student’s strengths and weaknesses, creating a personalized learning plan.

• Close Student-Tutor Relationship: A strong relationship between tutor and student fosters positive learning outcomes.

• Expanding Beyond the Syllabus: Private tutors can cover topics beyond the school curriculum, such as foreign languages or advanced sciences.
  

Drawbacks of Private Tutoring:

• High Costs: Hiring a private tutor can cost between £30-£60 per hour, making it inaccessible for many families.

• Intense One-to-One Sessions: Some students may feel overwhelmed by the focused attention after a long school day.

• Trust Concerns: Parents must carefully vet private tutors to ensure their child’s safety and find someone qualified.

What are Public Group Tuition Classes?

Public group tuition classes, often funded by schools or organizations, offer academic support to students in small groups, especially for core subjects like Maths, English, and Science. These classes aim to help disadvantaged students catch up academically.

Benefits of Public Group Tuition:

• Affordable for Disadvantaged Students: Programs offering free or subsidized classes ensure that students from lower-income families receive the support they need.

• Peer Learning: Group settings encourage collaboration and peer learning, fostering a positive and engaging environment.

• Safe, Structured Environment: Classes take place in safe, organized settings, ensuring students can focus on learning without distractions.
  

Drawbacks of Public Group Tuition:

• Limited Tutor Attention: While smaller than regular classes, group tuition still doesn’t offer the same one-on-one focus as private tutoring.

• Core Subject Focus: Public tuition often focuses on core subjects, potentially limiting opportunities to explore more niche interests like music or drama.
  

In summary, private tutoring offers tailored and personalized learning, though it is costly and less accessible for disadvantaged students. Public group tuition classes provide affordable support in core subjects, creating an inclusive environment for students, though they may lack the flexibility of private lessons. Deciding which option works best for your child depends on their individual needs, learning preferences, and financial situation.

Information regarding the benefits and disadvantages of private vs. public tutoring was adapted from Learning Cubs' resource on the topic. For further details, visit their article: Private vs Public Extra Tuition: Weighing Up the Benefits and Disadvantages.