The first academic term of the year saw the delivery of more than 300,000 tutoring courses to students, with schools and academy trusts leading the way to support pupils who were disproportionately affected during school disruptions as a result of COVID-19.
Of the 302,000 courses which began last term, an estimated 230,000 were provided through the new, school-led tutoring pillar. As part of the National Tutoring Programme, schools and academy trusts receive a direct, ring-fenced grant from the Department for Education (DfE) to spend on local tutoring provision.
The government has set a target to deliver two million courses this academic year, with £1.5 billion set aside for tutoring, as part of its £5 billion education recovery plan.
Schools Minister Robin Walker said: “We are now seeing the real reach and impact of the unprecedented investment this government is making in supporting children’s education recovery. Every pupil – wherever they live – should be supported to get back on track and reach their potential, and that’s what this tutoring programme is doing.”
He encouraged all schools to “take advantage” of the government’s tutoring programme, while acknowledging that they were having to manage higher absence levels among staff.
As well as school-led tutoring, the National Tutoring Programme offers access to tutoring through two other strands. So far, this academic year, 52,000 courses began through Tuition Partners and an estimated 20,000 pupils have started packages through the Academic Mentor pillar of the programme.
The multi-pillar approach ensures “schools have the greatest possible flexibility in offering pupils the support they need”, says the DfE.
According to research quoted by the DfE, small group tuition can boost pupils’ progress by an average of two months in secondary schools and four months in primary schools.
Education Boutique provide expert advice on how to utilise the school-led tutoring grant.
Get in touch to find out more: info@educationboutique.co.uk
