The school holidays are a well-earned break for students after a busy academic year but many parents will be thinking about summer tuition. While it may not have the same allure as paddleboarding at the Peligoni Club or days out with friends, summer tuition is not as bleak as many people make it out to be.

What does summer tuition involve?

A common misconception surrounding summer tuition is that students will find themselves trapped indoors studying all day every day but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Summer tuition is designed to support a child’s education over the holiday break so they are set up for success when the new term starts. It can be as time-intensive or light as needed but ultimately, it allows plenty of time for children to enjoy their usual pastimes and still have plenty of time to socialise with their peers.

Summer tuition may involve working with a qualified tutor to strengthen knowledge and skills across a particular subject, it may be exam preparation and familiarisation with practice papers or it may simply be light-touch sessions to reinforce existing knowledge.

Regardless of your objective and the level of support your child needs from a tutor, there are so many benefits to summer tuition and investing in it can help unlock a child’s full potential so they can start the new term on the front foot.

What are the advantages of summer tuition?

  1. Flexibility to suit your schedule

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors we understand the importance (for both students and parents) of having time to just relax during half terms and summer holidays. One of the biggest benefits of summer tuition is that our tutors can design a bespoke programme that prioritises your child’s needs but takes into consideration your family’s schedule and lifestyle so tuition doesn’t interrupt your day-to-day activities.

For families that are expecting to travel for part or the majority of the summer holidays, there is also the option of online tuition. Online tuition ensures your child can still get the support they need while on the move without interrupting your family’s arrangements over the summer, so there is no need to compromise when it comes to supporting a child’s education and making travel plans.

  1. Individualised attention and tailored learning

One of the greatest advantages of summer tuition is the individualised attention students receive from dedicated tutors. Unlike the crowded classrooms during the school year, tutors can tailor their teaching methods to suit your child’s unique learning style, pace and really hone in on areas of improvement.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, our expert tutors work hard to understand the individual needs of your child and will create a tailored programme to ensure sessions are both informative and engaging.

This personalised approach allows for more effective learning, fostering a deeper understanding of subjects and promoting accelerated progress into the upcoming academic year (and beyond).

It can also encourage children to approach tutoring sessions with a positive mindset so they see the value in summer tuition rather than feeling it’s a burden.

  1. Summer tuition can help bridge any knowledge gaps

Summer tuition offers an invaluable opportunity for students to consolidate their learning and for tutors to identify and address any knowledge gaps that may have arisen during the previous academic year. Having the undivided attention and support of a tutor ensures your child is equipped with the knowledge and skills to enter the new school year with confidence and tackle more advanced topics.

  1. Reinforcing existing knowledge

Concept retention can decline during an extended break and while the level of drop off will vary from person to person, it is fair to assume that after a 6-week break most students won’t remember every detail learnt the previous term.

Any lapses in knowledge can put students on the back foot when the new term commences but continuous engagement in educational activities during the summer (such as summer tuition) help students stay intellectually active, keeping their minds sharp and reinforcing existing knowledge to ensure concepts are fresh in their memory once they return to full-time education.

  1. Supporting exam preparation

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we know every child handles exams differently. Some need a helping hand with approaching unseen papers in a timed environment and others may be fine working under pressure but may need support on weaker subjects.

For students with critical exams approaching in the upcoming academic year, summer tuition is a fantastic resource. Whether they are preparing for their 11 Plus, A-Levels or GCSEs, summer tuition allows your child to learn in a relaxed environment with dedicated attention so they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to perform at their best in exams.

Additionally, our specialised tutors can offer summer tuition in the lead up to subject-specific exams such as the LNATs, GMATs and UCATs. We know that these exams can come with high pressure to perform well but our specialised tutors will work to gain an understanding of your child’s academic background to develop both new and existing skills to maximise their potential.

  1. Enhance confidence and boost self-esteem

The focused attention and positive reinforcement received during summer tuition can have a transformative effect on a student’s confidence and self-esteem. As they conquer challenging concepts and witness their own progress, students develop a sense of accomplishment and belief in their abilities. This newfound confidence can even extend beyond the classroom, empowering them to tackle future academic and personal challenges with resilience and determination.

  1. Individual pace and reduced pressure

In the school setting, students often face time constraints and the pressure to keep up with the entire class. Summer tuition offers a more relaxed environment, allowing students to learn at their own pace. This freedom enables a deeper understanding of subjects, encourages critical thinking and allows children to nurture a love for learning that transcends mere coursework and exam preparation.

  1. Exploring new subjects and enrichment opportunities

Summer tuition provides a platform for students to explore new subjects or delve deeper into areas of particular interest. With the absence of a strict school curriculum, students have the freedom to pursue their passions, whether it’s a foreign language, coding, art, music, or any other subject that ignites their curiosity. By embracing diverse learning experiences, students can develop a broader range of skills and discover hidden talents to carry forward.

There are also a number of educational resources such as online libraries, research databases, or academic journals that students can access to enhance their learning during the summer. One such example is JSTOR, a digital library that provides access to a vast collection of academic journals, books, and primary sources across various disciplines  including the arts, humanities and social sciences.

From reinforcing knowledge and maintaining academic momentum to promoting self-confidence, investing in summer tuition for your child is a decision that can yield so many benefits, both academically and personally. It is worth noting that, for families seeking financial assistance for summer tuition, The National Tutoring Programme is also available to eligible students in England and supports schools by providing pupils with tuition linked to the school curriculum for free.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, we encourage parents to explore summer tuition in advance of the holidays to ensure there is ample time to understand the tuition objectives and find the right tutor to support your child’s individual needs. Contact us to find out more about summer tuition so we can get your child setup for success and ready to hit the ground running.

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Useful resources:

  • JSTOR – provides access to over 12 million journal articles, books, images, and primary sources in 75 disciplines.
  • The National Tutoring Programme supports eligible students in England with free tuition through schools.
Hampstead & Frognal Tutors

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