Private tutoring in London is booming, with some parents spending up to £4,000 on tutors for toddlers as young as two. The trend is driven by fears over school quality and a hyper-competitive job market, according to tutors surveyed.
One tutor with five years' experience said demand for GCSE English Language tuition has surged, while A-level tutoring has declined. About 75% of their clients come from immigrant families, often on mid to low incomes. They believe the boom reflects a perception that schools are not teaching effectively, and a focus on skills and employment over intellectual rigour.
Another tutor noted that extreme cases—like a child receiving six hours of tuition per weekend—are becoming more common. They now tutor five children for four or more hours weekly, with three receiving additional tuition in other subjects. They warned that children are being tutored to their limits, risking university selection without interview for students who cannot cope without extra help.
A third tutor observed that many London parents with English as a second language see tutoring as a better investment than private school fees. They said the boom is partly driven by a desire to keep up with peers, with recommendations spreading through social circles. They added that tutoring often involves helping with homework, though it can enrich the curriculum.
A primary-level tutor reported that entrance exams for private schools are so competitive that parents see tutoring as a necessity, even when it is a financial burden. They noted a huge gap in standards between elite prep schools and state schools by Year 6.
