20th January 2010 9:00
By Blue Tutors
In an article on the BBC website, they debate whether it is ethical for a former Prime Minister to have sought extra help for his sons who attend a state school. Despite attending a selective state school, the London Oratory, both Euan and Nicholas Blair are said to have received regular one-to-one tuition from at least one, but possibly more young teachers at Westminster School.
Although there is no conclusive proof that the Blair boys are receiving extra help, many ministers have claimed that, if true, it’s a damning verdict on state schools in this country.
Margaret Morrissey, a member of the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations, said that although she understands why Mr. Blair would want to seek help from Private Tutors, it creates a worry for those parents who send their children to state schools, but can’t afford to pay for any extra help. The suggestion is that state-funded education should be an equal opportunities program, but when some families can afford to pay for weekly face-to-face tuition, it turns what is already a two-tiered education system in this country, into a multi-tiered system.
However, whether it is ethical or not for Tony Blair to arrange for private tuition for his sons, it’s certainly true that many students attending state schools do receive regular one-to-one tuition at home. It’s arguable that this can be blamed on the quality of our schools, but with ever increasing competition for university places, can we blame parents who opt to give their children a greater chance of success by employing a tutor? Especially if they can afford it.