Is Private Tutoring Worth It?
In recent years, private tutoring is becoming increasingly common, not just for students with bad grades, but also for those aiming to transform their grades from A to an A*. Academic competition is fiercer than ever before, and classroom sizes at school may be too big for teachers to provide individualised attention for each student. In such an environment, first class tutors can provide services that fill this gap by providing tailored teaching for students, matching their pace, their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Personalised Learning
Schools are built to educate large groups of students efficiently. Even at the best schools, teachers move at a pace that works for most of the class, meaning that some students are left behind while others are not sufficiently challenged.
The clearest benefit of private tutoring is that it’s built entirely around the student. Lessons move at a pace that matches the child’s understanding, slowing down to reinforce the fundamental concepts or speeding up for topics they grasp quickly.
Students feel more comfortable asking questions in a one-to-one setting. They can explore ideas and concepts without fear of judgement from their peers. This gives them a stronger conceptual understanding and builds a stronger foundation over time. This can be especially important for iGCSEs, A levels and IBs, where knowledge is accumulated over a foundation. If a student has a weak foundation, they will struggle later on.
2. Closing Knowledge Gaps Before They Become Problems
Academic difficulties often begin as small gaps in understanding that widen when left unaddressed. These easily go unnoticed in a busy classroom until they surface before tests or major exams.
First class tutors are able to identify these gaps early and address them. This is particularly valuable in cumulative subjects such as Mathematics, Sciences, and Languages, where weak foundations can severely undermine later performance. Consistent support allows students to build knowledge systematically over time rather than relying on last minute cramming and memorisation.
3. Stronger Exam Skills
Private tutoring can be particularly valuable during exam years where stakes are very high. First class private tutors provide targeted practice in line with students’ syllabus and exam formats, also teaching students how to revise, plan their time and approach questions strategically. Students also develop better study habits and organisation.
4. Who Benefits Most from Private Tutoring?
Private tutoring is useful for a range of students, including:
Students who are struggling and need support to raise their grades
High-performing students aiming for top grades
Students who are keen on building a strong foundation for later studies
Students who struggle to focus in class and need more individualised attention
Students preparing for important exams that determine their future
Private tutoring complements classroom learning, reinforcing students’ knowledge and extending on what is taught at school.
5. Choosing the Right Tutor
The effectiveness of private tutoring depends heavily on the quality of the tutor and fit with the student. Subject expertise, familiarity with the relevant curriculum, and the ability to explain concepts are key, as well as the tutor’s ability to motivate and encourage the student, and adapt to their needs.
At First Class Education, we place particular emphasis on diagnosing where the student’s knowledge gaps are, personalising our lessons based on their needs. All our tutors are Oxbridge graduates with extensive teaching experience. Rather than simply working through questions, we train students to explain their reasoning and approach unfamiliar questions systematically. These skills are useful not just for exams, but also for the university application process and beyond.
Conclusion
Private tutoring is not an immediate fix and does not deliver instant results. Its true value lies in the consistency and personalisation that strengthens students’ academic foundations, builds confidence and closes knowledge gaps to help students achieve their goals.
For parents considering whether first class tutoring is worth it, the key question to ask would be whether their child would benefit from more individualised support than a classroom alone can provide. In an increasingly competitive academic landscape, timely support can make a meaningful difference to students’ grades and their futures.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Private tutoring offers personalised teaching tailored to each student's specific needs, pace, and learning style. Kumon uses standardised worksheets focused on repetitive practice in maths and reading. While Kumon can build discipline and basic skills in younger children, private tutoring is more effective for older students, exam preparation, and developing deeper conceptual understanding. This is particularly important for competitive applications like Oxbridge admissions.
