Is Private Tuition Worth It? What the Evidence Says

Last updated: 15 June 2026

Is private tuition worth it?

Yes. Private tuition is one of the most effective educational interventions available, according to the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). Their analysis of over 100 studies found that students receiving tuition make an average of +5 months’ additional progress in one-to-one settings and +4 months’ additional progress in small group settings (2-3 students), compared to peers who do not receive tuition.

The EEF rates tuition as having high impact for moderate cost, making it one of the best value-for-money investments a parent can make in their child’s education.

What does the research say about tutoring effectiveness?

Education Endowment Foundation (EEF)

The EEF is the UK’s leading independent evidence organisation for education. Their Teaching and Learning Toolkit, based on meta-analyses of international research, concludes:

One-to-one tuition: +5 months’ additional progress (high impact)
Small group tuition (2-3 students): +4 months’ additional progress (high impact)
Effect is strongest when tuition is linked to what the student is learning in school
Regular sessions (at least weekly) over a sustained period produce the best outcomes

Sutton Trust research

A 2019 Sutton Trust survey found that 27% of secondary school students in England had received private tuition, rising to 41% in London. The same research found that students who received tuition were more likely to achieve their target grades at GCSE and report higher confidence in their abilities.

National Tutoring Programme (NTP)

The UK government’s National Tutoring Programme, launched in 2020, was built on the same evidence base. Schools that used the programme reported improved attainment, increased confidence, and better engagement from participating students. The programme specifically targeted disadvantaged students, demonstrating that tuition works regardless of background.

When is tuition most effective?

Early intervention

Tuition is most effective when it starts before a child falls significantly behind. A child struggling in Year 4 Maths, for example, will benefit more from starting tuition immediately than waiting until Year 6 when the gaps have widened. Research from Durham University shows that early intervention in literacy and numeracy can prevent learning difficulties from becoming entrenched.

Exam preparation

Tuition is particularly valuable in the 6-12 months before major exams. For the 11 Plus, starting preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 gives enough time to build skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, Maths and English. For GCSEs, starting in Year 10 allows students to build strong foundations before the pressure of Year 11.

Confidence building

Not all the benefits of tuition show up in grades. Many parents report that their child’s confidence, attitude to learning, and independence improve after starting tuition — even before test scores change. A child who goes from “I can’t do Maths” to “I understand this now” is experiencing a shift that pays dividends throughout their education.

What makes tuition work?

The research is clear that not all tuition is equally effective. The factors that make the biggest difference are:

Small group size — Groups of 2-3 students allow personalised attention while keeping costs manageable. The EEF found that groups larger than 5 students show significantly reduced impact.
Qualified, consistent tutors — Students benefit most from working with the same tutor over time, building a relationship and understanding of their learning style.
Structured curriculum — Tuition should follow a plan aligned to the national curriculum, not just ad-hoc homework help.
Regular attendance — Weekly sessions over at least a term produce measurably better results than sporadic or short-term tuition.
Dedicated learning environment — In-person tuition at a centre, away from home distractions, helps students focus and associate the space with learning.

Is Private Tuition Worth It? What the Evidence Says