Private tutoring at transition points in the English education system: its nature, extent and purpose

additional help. Parents may become involved in their children’s school work through
supervising homework or encouraging the child to take part in a variety of educational
activities. If they feel unable to provide the help their child needs, perhaps through lack of
familiarity with the curriculum or lack of time, they may seek to employ a tutor.

Discussion

This research aimed to provide estimates of the nature and extent of private tutoring received
by primary and secondary school students in England and to examine whether the
employment of tutors is affected by students’ socio-economic and cultural background. It also
explored students’ and parents’ views of the reasons for having a tutor. It drew on
questionnaire responses from primary and secondary school students who were approaching
transition points in the English education system when tests and examinations affect
progression.

The findings indicate that about a quarter of students receive private tutoring at some stage
during their school career. Mathematics is the most popular subject, followed by English and
science. Primary school students mainly receive tutoring in literacy and mathematics, with
some having tutors to prepare for entrance tests and examinations for selective secondary
schools. Mathematics remains the most popular subject for private tuition in secondary
school, followed by English, science and modern languages. This may reflect the importance
of English, mathematics and science in the national curriculum up to age 16. English and
mathematics are especially important, as they are required for progression to higher levels of
education after age 16 and also for future employment. It is therefore of interest that there is a
greater demand for mathematics than English tutoring among secondary students. This might

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