New PGCE aims to boost confidence in private tutoring

OXFORD, England, Oct. 26, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- A new postgraduate qualification, PGCE Tutoring, has been introduced by UWE Bristol to address the growing demand for private tutoring. This initiative aims to provide parents with clearer information about the training and professional standards of tutors, helping them make informed decisions when choosing a tutor for their children.

According to a survey of 2,010 UK adults, a significant portion of the population holds misconceptions about the qualifications and regulatory requirements for private tutors. The survey revealed that 54% of UK adults believe tutors must hold a recognised teaching qualification, while 39% think tutors must be registered with a regulatory body. Additionally, 53% of respondents assumed tutors must undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. However, the reality is stark: only 7% knew that there is currently no UK regulatory body for private tutors.

The rise in private tutoring has been notable, with the Sutton Trust's Private Tutoring 2026 report indicating that 29% of secondary school pupils in England and Wales received private tutoring in the past year, up from 18% two decades ago. In London, the figure was even higher, with 45% of secondary school pupils having received private tutoring.

The PGCE Tutoring, designed for one-to-one and small-group teaching, is intended to develop tutors' skills in adapting teaching to individual learners, supporting progress, and applying evidence-informed approaches. The course also covers safeguarding, inclusive practice, and professional standards. This qualification is part of a broader effort to ensure that tutors are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective and safe tutoring services.

The PGCE Tutoring is a one-year, part-time online course, designed for professional tutors working in one-to-one and small-group learning. The first cohort will begin in January 2027, and enrolment is now open.