London students are twice as likely to receive private tuition than those across the rest of the country, research reveals.
Around 44% of secondary students in the capital are receiving extra help compared to just 22% outside of London according to the Sutton Trust.
The survey is calling on the government to introduce means-tested vouchers to ensure that children from less privileged backgrounds don’t trail behind those able to fork out the cash for extra tutors.
Sutton Trust chairman Sir Peter Lampl said: “Those who can afford it are able to give their children a significant advantage over those who cannot.”
Director of Dulwich Tutors Lucinda Burgess explained that she’d seen a surge in the number of people looking for private tuition.
She said: “We are unusually busy at the moment. We’ve had to take on new members of staff to meet the growing number of enquiries.
“Tutoring is seasonal – we have a lot of families competing to get places at Alleyn’s and Dulwich College as well as the South London independent and grammar schools.
“Parents are naturally concerned about their child falling behind or of not getting a place at their school of choice.
“In China, it’s more of a social status thing. Here, parents just want to give their child the best educational opportunities in a highly competitive environment.
“Despite the hothouse ethos of education at the moment, bespoke tutoring can be an inspiring, nurturing and a confidence-boosting experience.”
Picture courtesy of pete, with thanks
