27th November 2013 9:00
By Blue Tutors
There was a time when private tuition was the preserve of the wealthy, with the average private tuition costing £40 an hour. Experienced tutors charge as much as £200 an hour, marking regular private tuition out as something only the privileged could afford. Even at the lower end of the price range for face to face tuition, many families cannot afford to pay for tutors for their children. This has led to much concern on the part of education authorities and charities, who are particularly concerned that only those who can afford private tuition are gaining places at top schools and universities.
However, the tuition industry has developed rapidly over the last few years, and one of the ways in which it is expanding is to make tuition more affordable. Whereas in the past private tuition occurred one to one and face to face at a premium rate, there are now a range of more affordable options open customers. One of the methods that has become increasingly common is various forms of online tuition. Live tuition over skype with a tutor costs between about £15 and £25 an hour - half the rate that would be paid for face tuition. Tuition over skype offers students the chance to discuss academic problems with a tutor and receive live advice as they do their work. With the right technology the effect is comparable to face to face tuition, and much cheaper.
Skype tuition is still expensive for the average family, and there are other options available. Some tutors offer group sessions, and parents can benefit from clubbing together to pay for a group session for 2-6 children. This can reduce the usual face to face cost by up to two thirds. For those who feel their child would benefit from being set regular work and receiving feedback, but are unable to pay for private lessons with a tutor, there are many tutors and agencies who offer courses for students where work is set and marked online. In these cases, students are set work for the week, email it through the website or to the tutor directly, and receive feedback. This type of tuition can cost as little as £10 a month. Broadening the range and pricing of tuition is necessary, and benefits students, tutors and agencies.