Put simply, the debate is centred on whether private institutions truly provide a public benefit worthy of tax exemptions. Charitable status is typically bestowed upon organisations in the UK that demonstrate a commitment to promoting public benefit and such organisations typically receive certain tax benefits as a result.

According to a recent report published via the House of Commons Library, ‘around half of independent schools in England were registered as charities’. While not all independent schools in the UK are affiliated with the Independent Schools Council (ISC), a 2023 Annual School Census found that 70% of their member schools across the UK had charitable status. 

As many members of the public commonly associate private education with privilege and exclusivity, it is no surprise that the topic of charitable status for independent schools has proven to be such a contentious issue.

Exploring Charitable Status in Detail and Why People Are Talking About It Now 

Although the topic is well documented, many people have not followed it in its entirety but the private school charitable status debate encompasses arguments from both sides, raising questions of equity, social mobility and the role of education in fostering a fairer society. 

To grasp the essence of the debate, it is crucial to comprehend what charitable status actually entails and delve into the various perspectives, examining the arguments put forth by advocates and critics and (of course) exploring how private tutors play a role within all of this.

Charitable status has historically been associated with institutions like universities, hospitals, and organisations dedicated to advancing societal well-being but some argue that private schools should also be considered charities because they offer education and scholarships, which is believed to benefit society. 

Notable figures in education such as Sir Michael Wilshaw, former Chief Inspector of Schools in England and Head of Ofsted and Geoff Barton, former General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders have expressed their perspectives, emphasising the need for accountability, transparency, and collaboration between private and state-funded school but the debate has been ongoing for several decades. 

In contrast, events such as the “Give It Back” campaign by the Independent Schools Council in 2003 and (more recently) increasing concerns about social inequality, educational access and discussions surrounding tax policies have brought the conversation and debate around charitable status to the forefront once again.

What are the arguments in favour of private schools receiving charitable status? 

Advocates of private school charitable status put forth compelling arguments in defence of independent schools retaining their tax-exempt status. 

Contribution to Society and Increasing Educational Opportunities

Those in favour of granting charitable status to private schools highlight several key arguments. First and foremost, they argue that these schools offer high-quality education and contribute positively to society, with many private schools providing scholarships or bursaries to students from disadvantaged backgrounds thereby increasing access to educational opportunities. 

Reduced Pressure on State Schools

Furthermore, advocates for charitable status assert that private schools relieve pressure on the state-funded education system, as families who can afford private education choose not to utilise public resources.

The Impact on Social Mobility

One of the key focal points of the debate is the impact of private school charitable status on social mobility. Supporters argue that private schools actively promote social mobility by offering scholarships and bursaries, allowing talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education. 

What about the criticisms of private schools receiving charitable status? 

On the other side of the debate, critics raise valid concerns about the charitable status of private schools.

Concerns over Fairness and Equity

Those against private schools being granted charitable status raise valid concerns about fairness and equity within the current system. They argue that private schools operate as profit-oriented businesses while enjoying tax benefits which may not align with the spirit of charitable status. 

This in turn raises questions about fairness and equity as public resources are not being allocated optimally but those arguing against charitable status believe public resources should be used to improve the state-funded education system instead.

The Impact on Social Mobility

While some supporters argue that private schools actively promote social mobility, critics contend that this approach merely addresses symptoms rather than tackling the underlying issues. As an example, critics suggest that addressing disparities within the state-funded education system should be prioritised to achieve genuine social mobility. 

Critics also argue that the social exclusivity associated with private schools perpetuates social inequality and exacerbates existing divisions within society. They argue that these institutions cater to a privileged few and fail to address the root causes of educational disparities in the state-funded education system which should be the priority for promoting true social mobility.

Calls for Reform

Given the ongoing debates and concerns surrounding private school charitable status, there have been increasing calls for reform. 

Some members of the public, experts and notable figures in education propose stricter criteria for charitable status, emphasising the need for private schools to demonstrate a more substantial contribution to the public benefit. Others advocate for a reassessment of the entire concept of charitable status for private schools, urging a comprehensive evaluation of their role within the broader framework of public education.

What Does the Debate Mean for Tutors?

As private tuition is often associated with wealth, it is thought that tutors may play a role in exacerbating educational inequality and further contributing to the strain on the state education system. 

The notion that private tuition is something exclusively for affluent families is a common misconception as tuition comes in many forms with varying fees associated. While concerns around the impact of tuition within the charitable status debate are valid, it is important to note there are of course enormous benefits to private tuition.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors we know that for tuition to be successful, every student will need a tailored programme that caters to their individual needs, strengths, weaknesses and educational ambitions. There is simply not a one size fits all approach to tuition and, as an extension of that, there is not a one cost fits all model for tuition. It can be accessible to students from varying socio-economic backgrounds and can provide opportunities to “level the playing field” rather than create a greater divide.

To give an example, a student looking for some online support with essay writing to help elevate their exam responses may need fewer or less frequent sessions than a student with dyslexia who really struggles to write compelling answers in timed conditions and requires intensive support to get through upcoming exams. 

Of course, one might argue that if the latter student is from a disadvantaged background they may then lack the funds or access to tuition to get the intensive support they need to excel but it is always worth getting in touch with an agency (or with the tutor directly) to discuss options. 

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, our tutors are passionately dedicated to supporting children’s learning and we are not only committed to building bespoke programmes that help students develop but also finding practical solutions that work for families’ varying lifestyles and budgets. 

As an alternative to private tuition, some schools in England offer free one-to-one or small group tuition to eligible students both at primary and secondary school level through the National Tutoring Programme.

Regardless of whether you engage a private tutor or a state allocated tutor, it is essential to find the right tutor. If a tutor’s content is not engaging and they are not able to tailor their programming to adapt to your child’s needs then the sessions become somewhat redundant and the opportunities to excel may be diminished.

We explore the areas to look out for in this post but a key consideration is to find someone who possesses not only the knowledge and skills to teach but also a personality and teaching style that resonates with your child. 

The private school charitable status debate in the UK presents a complex and multifaceted issue. As discussions and deliberations continue around the schools and the role of tutors, striking a balance that ensures educational excellence, fairness and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background, remains essential to progress toward a more equitable and inclusive education system.

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Useful Resources

• National Tutoring Programme
• ISC Report – June 2023 (House of Commons Library)

The post Exploring the Charitable Status Debate Surrounding Private Schools in the UK appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors our experienced and specialist tutors are passionately dedicated to supporting children’s learning. We know every child is different so our tutors will identify the learning styles that best suit your child’s individual needs and devise a tailor-made programme of tuition to best support their academic growth whether in lessons, completing coursework or sitting their exams.

Online tutoring has become increasingly popular in recent years (even before the pandemic), and for good reason. The format of online tutoring is not dissimilar to in-person tutoring, only sessions take place virtually using a computer, laptop or smart phone. 

There are numerous benefits to online tutoring that can make a significant difference in your child’s academic performance and overall success. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the benefits of online tutoring and why it is a great option for parents looking to support and enhance their child’s education.

The Benefits:

1. Access to Qualified Tutors

While the benefits of face-to-face tuition are indisputable, online tutoring provides access to a wide range of qualified tutors from all over the world so you can find the best tutor for your child’s needs, regardless of your location. Our online tutors are all excellent communicators with a passion for their subject. Used to teaching via screen, they combine knowledge and enthusiasm with technological skill.

Our online tutors cover all exam boards, including OCR, AQA and Edexcel but also have experience preparing students for essential entrance examinations.

Whether you are looking for a GCSE Physics tutor, an A Level English tutor, someone to support with the BMAT exam or someone to prepare your child for the 11 Plus, do not underestimate the power of virtual learning.

2. Bespoke Learning and Focused Attention

In a traditional classroom environment, teachers must often divide their attention among many students and cater to a wide range of learning styles rather than what is best suited to your child’s individual needs. A significant benefit of online tutoring is that children receive 1-1 attention and a bespoke learning plan that is optimised to reflect their specific learning style. This can help your child to better understand a course or lesson material and improve their academic performance.

Additionally, online tutoring allows you to choose from a larger pool of tutors, which means that you can find a tutor who specialises in the specific area that your child needs help with. This can be particularly beneficial if your child is struggling with a specific subject, such as maths or science.

3. Convenient for Existing Family Schedules

Many parents find online tuition less intrusive and disruptive to family life and children often feel more relaxed when they are taught over the internet. With online tutoring, you can easily schedule sessions to fit your family’s schedule and transportation needs, which can be particularly helpful if your children are involved in any extracurricular activities that make it challenging to get to and from sessions.

4. Flexibility While on the Move 

One of the most significant advantages of online tutoring is its flexibility. Online tutoring allows your child to receive high-quality education from the comfort of your own home or while on the move. This can be particularly useful if you’re a family who travels frequently for work or leisure as it means that you don’t have to worry about any of the logistical issues that may impact an in-person tutoring session. 

If you are likely to be starting or continuing online tutoring while travelling, then ensure where you’re staying has a strong WiFi connection to avoid any disruption to lessons. If your WiFi connections may vary then we’d recommend purchasing a dongle to enhance your signal or investing in a phone plan with plenty of data so you can hotspot as needed.

5. Interactive and Engaging Technology

While online tutoring is very similar in its approach to in-person tutoring, it involves far more than just Zoom calls. At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, our specialised tutors have access to a vast array of software to enhance lessons so your child will still be able to interact with their tutor like they can in a classroom, with the added benefits of new educational technology. 

Examples include:

• Virtual whiteboards are invaluable to our online maths tutors, who write out equations and formulas for their students just as they would in real life.
• Screen sharing technology means pupils can follow lessons with ease
• Interactive software such as Cahoot or Google Classroom means there is never a dull moment. Students feel like they are in a real classroom while enjoying the comfort of their own home.

6. Improved Performance and Confidence

If your child is struggling in school, it can be easy for them to become discouraged and lose confidence in their abilities. However, with the help of an online tutor, your child can gain the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, which can help to build their confidence and self-esteem.

Supported by our in-house training and resources, our online tutors adapt their teaching to the individual learning style of each child to help restore your child’s confidence, boost their intellectual curiosity and excel academic growth through exciting and stimulating tuition. 

7. Cost-Effective

A final benefit of online tutoring is that it is often more cost-effective than in-person tutoring. With online tutoring, you don’t have to worry about the cost of transportation to and from in-person tutoring sessions nor any other expenses associated with it. Additionally, online tutoring often allows you to choose from a range of pricing options, which means that you can find a tutor that fits within your budget.

Getting Started With Online Tutoring

If you’re looking to get started with online tutoring or simply have questions about the process, you can contact us for a free telephone consultation to understand the tuition requirement in detail. Once you have instructed us, we reach out to our dedicated team of tutors and assign the best online tutor or consultant to match your child’s needs.

During the first online tutoring session your child’s dedicated tutor will make an initial assessment of your child’s academic attainment to devise an individual Learning Growth Action Plan with clear Academic Learning Goals.

As your child commences online tutoring, you will be able to review their tutoring schedule and book lessons through our online platform with a shared calendar that can be viewed by both parent and tutor. Tutors will provide feedback at the end of each session and regular written reports to ensure parents are clear on how their child is progressing. The platform will also house a unique library of resources including revision notes, key learning points from lessons and exam papers for ease.

Overall, online tutoring is an excellent option for parents looking to support their child’s education and help them fulfil their academic potential. With its flexibility, convenience, access to specialist tutors and bespoke learning plans, online tutoring can make a significant difference in your child’s academic success. If you’re looking for a way to support your child’s education, consider online tutoring as a great option to help them achieve their goals and advance their learning.

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Useful Resources

• Ultra Speed WiFi Dongle to support remote online learning

The post The Benefits of Online Tutoring to Support Your Child’s Learning appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

There have previously been stigmas attached to homeschooling with many people assuming it to be an inferior form of education and an approach popular among ‘hippies’; if truth be told, every child has an individual learning style that best suits them. Some thrive in a school classroom environment and some benefit from a 1-1 setup, so there can be huge value in homeschooling.

In fact, the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) estimated that as of October 2021 there may have been over 80,000 registered home educated children in England and there’s evidence to suggest that this number continues to increase year on year.

There are a number of reasons a parent might choose to educate their child at home. It could be to better support special education needs (SEN), unhappiness in their current school, emigration or to tailor education to a child’s unique learning style. Whatever the reason, there are in fact a number of benefits to homeschooling and a plethora of resources and support available, from online materials to specialist tutors, to ensure your child receives a strong education.

The Advantages of Homeschooling

• Tailored Lessons – Whether you choose to teach your child yourself or bring in an experienced homeschool tutor to help, homeschooling allows you to tailor lessons to suit your child’s strengths, weaknesses and passions. 
• Flexible Learning Styles – Everyone learns differently so regardless of whether a parent or tutor is teaching, lessons can be adjusted to suit your child’s individual needs so they engage with subjects and can digest information in a way that suits them
• Online & In-Person Tutoring – If you are engaging a tutor, lessons can be delivered at home or online (or a combination of the two) and is suitable for children of all ages, from primary school through to Sixth Form.  
• No Distractions – Your child can be free from distraction during lessons in a 1-1 environment
• Confidence To Ask Questions – Many children are hesitant to ask questions in a classroom out of fear of judgement from peers. Homeschooling will allow your child the freedom to ask questions in a ‘safe’ environment and explore areas that they’re perhaps unclear on or need further explanation.
• More Opportunity To Experience Things – Homeschooling means  opportunities to leave the ‘classroom’ are more frequent and you are able to decide on the school trips you feel will most benefit your child’s education. Venturing out to museums, exhibitions or on excursions can help further a child’s understanding of a topic as well as develop their natural interest in a subject and thirst for knowledge.

The Process: How To Apply and Get Setup For Homeschooling

Generally speaking, getting setup to start homeschooling is quite straightforward and will follow a process similar to the below. Each London Borough and county will have individual requirements that need to be met so be sure to check your local council’s website for the latest guidance and specific steps to follow.

1. Register your intent to homeschool

If your child is currently enrolled in a mainstream school, you will need to put your intent to homeschool and withdraw your child from the school in writing to the headteacher. They will then arrange for your child to be formally removed from the school’s register and notify your local authority or council.

If your child is not yet at the compulsory school age but you’re already homeschooling them, there is no need to inform anyone but you should notify your local authority once they reach the compulsory school age.

2. Complete the Elective Home Education Statement of Provision

The second step is to complete a Statement of Provision which outlines how a parent plans to provide a suitable and sufficient education for any children they intend to homeschool. 

Within this, you may be asked questions about your child(ren)’s age, the format in which they will be educated and any timetabling involved, the opportunities to interact with peers or other adults and how you’re responding to any specific needs your child may have.

Once your statement of provision and intent to homeschool have both been received you can usually begin homeschooling but your local authority will be in contact if there are any further requirements ahead of that. 

Do note that if your child has special education needs (SEN) and therefore attends a specialised school, you’ll need to first get permission from your council to educate them at home as extra measures will need to be taken to ensure the child is receiving an adequate education and the necessary support. 

Engaging Specialist Tutors To Support with Homeschooling

It is a legal requirement for every child of compulsory school age to receive “an efficient and full-time education” that is reflective of their age and ability and caters to any specific learning needs they may have. But, at the time of writing, there are no strict requirements that dictate how a curriculum should be delivered. 

We know that parents choose homeschooling for a variety of reasons and there’s no one size fits all approach to it. While some parents prefer to lead on educating their children themselves and have their own programme in mind, many turn to the help of specialist tutors to support with home education.

There are a number of benefits to hiring a tutor to help with homeschooling your child. Our highly experienced homeschool tutors work with parents to devise a bespoke learning plan, designed to maximise your child’s potential – both academically and beyond. Our specialist tutors can also answer practical questions about the national curriculum, public assessments and educational regulations.

At the time of writing, there is no legal requirement for children receiving elective home education to sit public exams or standardised tests so it is up to the parent or homeschooling tutor to find and register at an exam centre. 

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, our specialist tutors have a wealth of experience preparing students for GCSE and A Level assessments, as well as school entrance exams 7+, 11+, and 13+ should you decide you’d like your child to sit public exams at any stage. Exam boards such as the AQA or OCR also provide information about registering for exams privately as well. 

How often should my child work with specialist tutors when homeschooling?

At the time of writing, the law does not specify the number of hours considered to be ‘full-time’ but it is advised that children should spend between 21 and 25 hours on schoolwork for 38 weeks of the year.

Some families prefer to homeschool their children on a full-time basis and primarily use tutors to support in extra tuition for weaker subjects or homework help. Other families look to engage a tutor full-time and or split between tutor and parent-taught lessons.

Our tutors can adapt to the needs of your family but we will help you find the right tutor and, depending on your requirements, we can provide: 

• Live-in Homeschooling Tutors
• Full-time Homeschooling Tutors
• After-school Tutors to help with homework
• Tutor Nannies to assist with the school run, after school snacks and homework help
• Residential Tutors for school holidays 
• General study skills support 

We know that embarking on the home education journey can be both exciting and daunting but we are here to help and can match you with one of our highly experienced homeschool tutors to help you get started and find what’s best for you. All you need to do is get in touch! 

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Useful resources

• Get information from your local council about elective home education
• Additional information on elective home education for children with special education needs (SEN)

The post Getting Setup For Homeschooling & Specialist Tutors To Support Learning appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

When you are looking for an online tutor agency, therefore, it is important to do your research. Are the tutors experienced, vetted and highly qualified? Does the agency have access to the best tech tools? How much do lessons cost – and are there any hidden fees?

Thankfully, we have done some of the hard work for you. Here is a shortlist of seven of the best online agencies operating today:

Hampstead and Frognal Tutors

Established by Mark Taylor PGCE, a former teacher at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School and South Hampstead High School, Hampstead and Frognal Tutors has fast become one of London’s leading providers of education consultancy and tutoring services.

Enjoy Education 

Based in South London, Enjoy Education offers award-winning tutoring and home-schooling.

Keystone Tutors 

With offices in London, Hong Kong and Singapore, Keystone Tutors  employs over 50 full-time UK based tutors and represents a select pool of freelance tutors.

Tutor House

Tutor House connects students with personally interviewed & DBS checked tutors.

Mentor Education

For almost forty years, Mentor Education has offered professional one-to-one tuition in London and worldwide. 

Simply Learning

Simply Learning Tuition was founded in 2009, by Nathaniel McCullagh, a private tutor working in London. The agency now represents 300 private tutors.

Dulwich Tutors

Dulwich Tutors is an established agency with a close-knit team of tutors and consultants.

Pros and cons of using an online tutor agency

Sourcing a tutor directly rather than via a tutoring agency can be cheaper – hourly rates are often lower and there is rarely a registration fee. However going solo makes it significantly more difficult to find experienced, qualified tutors who meet your child’s specific requirements. 

The role of a good online tutor agency is to ensure students get the most suitable tutor for them, and to iron out any problems should they arise. Agencies also vet tutors before taking them on, with many conducting face-to-face interviews, carrying out DBS and reference checks, and verifying candidates’ qualifications.

In most cases, hiring a tutor directly by searching newspapers or online also requires more time and effort. With agencies, you fill in your details, your requirements, and you’re off. However, going direct means parents get to choose a specific tutor, rather than getting ‘matched’ with a suitable candidate.

There are a variety of different factors to consider when it comes to hiring a tutor, and every student and family have different requirements. However, if you are looking for high quality teaching and attentive customer service, online agencies are an excellent place to start.

The post Finding the best online tutor agency appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

“I don’t get it!”

“It’s boring…”

“What’s the point in learning this?”

These words can often be heard muttered in school Maths lessons, and moaned over kitchen tables laden with calculators, squared paper and textbooks. Whether your child is battling with 11+ numeracy tests or A Level algebra, Maths can be a challenge. The right tuition, however, could transform your child’s attitude to this fascinating subject, and give them the knowledge and confidence they need to master this core life skill.

With this in mind, here are our top 10 tips on how to find the right Maths tutor.

1) Experience is crucial

The best tutors are often the most experienced. If a tutor has taught Maths at an excellent school or has a long history of one-to-one tuition, they will know how to bring out the best in every student and make Maths not only accessible, but interesting and fun.

2) Specialist knowledge works wonders

Be sure to pick a tutor who has prepared students for relevant assessments in the past. If your child is due to sit an entrance exam for Westminster College, for example, choose an 11+ tutor who has successfully prepared other for students for the same exam. Knowledge of past papers, mark schemes and assessment criteria is invaluable when it comes to exam success.

 3) Qualifications should be checked

With so many people offering tuition services on the internet, it’s crucial to know that your tutor’s qualifications are what they seem. Always use a tutoring agency that carefully checks the documentation of their team. Ideally, choose an agency that interviews candidates in person. That way, you know you won’t be deceived or disappointed.

4) Teaching styles vary

For some students, Maths does not come naturally. It’s essential, therefore, that the tutor you choose —whether they are an A Level Maths tutor or a 7+ Maths tutor —explains things in a clear way that suits your child’s learning style. It is often sensible to arrange a one hour taster session to see whether the arrangement will work.

5) Personality is key

Just because someone has a fantastic CV and years of experience doesn’t mean they are the perfect tutor for your child. Although this is a great starting point, rapport counts for a huge amount when it comes to learning. Good tutoring agencies will try to satisfy the academic and emotional needs of their students. Pupils perform best in subjects they enjoy, and this heavily depends on whether they get on with the person teaching them.

6) It’s not just children who benefit from tutoring

Lots of graduate schemes and entry level jobs ask candidates to sit a host of psychometric and numerical tests. If you haven’t touched a calculator since taking your GCSEs, this can be daunting. A Maths tutor will help to refresh your memory and polish up your arithmetic. Don’t be embarrassed. Lots of adults seek extra help with Maths.

7) Learning environments are important

Some children worry that one-to-one tuition will be stressful and too intense. It is crucial, therefore, that tutors put students at ease and fill them with self-belief. A supportive, relaxed learning environment will help to unlock your child’s academic potential. Without the pressure and distraction of other students, children can flourish in a one-to-one setting.

8) Seek out specialist support

Pupils with conditions such as dyslexia and dyspraxia can find Maths a struggle. Tutors with professional knowledge and experience teaching children with learning difficulties can be transformational. When you’re looking for someone to teach your child, therefore, ask whether they have provided specialist support in the past.

9) Safety can’t be ignored

Not all tutoring agencies and online sites require their tutors to own up-to-date DBS certificates. DBS stands for The Disclosure and Barring Service, and ensures the safeguarding of vulnerable people, such as children. For your child’s safety, and for your own peace of mind, make sure the tutor you pick has been DBS checked. The easiest way to do this is to use a tutoring agency which carefully screens all of its staff.

10) Enthusiasm is underrated

Enthusiasm is probably the most important quality a tutor can possess. Learning is not all about passing numeracy tests and getting good grades. Maths is a fantastic subject and children deserve to enjoy it to the full. The best tutors love their subject and their enthusiasm is infectious. If the tutor you choose has passion and spark, you know they won’t let you down.

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