Share of private tutoring among secondary school students over time in the United Kingdom, 2006-2022
The Sutton Trust
17 Mar 2023
Driven by the increasing academic pressures, private tutoring has become a prevalent option among UK students seeking supplementary learning support. Over the past 17 years, there has been a nearly twofold increase in the number of secondary school students receiving tutoring, highlighting the heightened demand for academic assistance. The personalized attention provided by private tutoring is particularly beneficial for students facing challenges in specific subjects, aiding them in catching up, excelling, and building confidence. However, the high cost of private tutoring creates disparities, disadvantaging students from lower-income backgrounds. The one-on-one format of private tutoring may limit exposure to social interaction and diverse teaching methods, impeding social development and independent learning. Finding qualified tutors can be challenging, and the intense tutoring sessions may exacerbate students' already busy schedules, impacting their participation in extracurricular activities and overall well-being.
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