Huge variation in take-up of private tuition across the UK

New research has revealed huge variation in the take-up of private tuition in the UK, with pupils in London eight times as likely to have had a tutor than those in Scotland.

The research, conducted by Newcastle University, found that 43 per cent of 11 year olds in London has been tutored outside of school, compared to only five per cent in Scotland.

The report also found that 27 per cent of 11 year olds in the South East and 25 per cent in Northern Ireland received help outside of school, compared to just three per cent in the East and 11 per cent in the North East.

It is interesting to note that the numbers were higher in Northern Ireland and the South East, where grammar schools are still prevalent.

Professor Liz Todd, professor of education inclusion of Newcastle University, said that the figures raised questions over the new policy for expanding selection and suggested opening new grammar schools would lead to an expansion of the private tuition market.

She said: “The impact of expanding grammar schools will be to expand the private tuition market into areas of England which our data show have relatively low levels at the moment. This will be a boost for private tuition companies, but is it good for pupils?

“As for parents, they are likely to feel under great pressure to pay for private tuition to help their children through selection tests.

“There will also be pressure on schools to spend their pupil premium funding on coaching for entrance exams. Do we really want schools to be doing this? It is a questionable use of public funding with no evidence that it will help close the attainment gap between rich and poor.”