A new 90-credit PGCE designed specifically for professional tutors has launched in the UK, aiming to raise standards and provide greater recognition for a growing sector of the education industry.
A new postgraduate qualification for professional tutors has launched in the UK, marking what supporters describe as a significant step towards greater professional recognition within the tutoring sector.
The PGCE Tutoring, delivered by UWE Bristol and developed with advisory input from Tutors International, has been designed specifically for tutors working in one-to-one and small-group learning environments. The 90-credit course combines postgraduate study with practical training, professional standards and subject expertise.
Its launch comes as private tutoring continues to play an increasingly important role in mainstream education. According to figures cited by the organisations, 29% of secondary school pupils in England and Wales have received private tutoring, rising to 45% in London.
While classroom teachers have long had recognised qualifications such as the PGCE, those working as professional tutors have not traditionally had an equivalent qualification tailored to their specific role.
Adam Caller, founder and chief executive of Tutors International, said: "Professional tutoring has existed for generations, but the qualification infrastructure has not reflected the expertise and responsibility involved.
"Teachers have long had clear ways to develop and demonstrate their professional practice. Tutors have not. This qualification begins to change that."
Research commissioned by Tutors International suggests many parents already assume tutors are subject to qualifications and regulation. The survey found that 54% of UK adults believe tutors must hold a recognised teaching qualification, while 39% believe they must be registered with a regulatory body. However, only 7% of respondents were aware there is currently no UK regulatory body for private tutors.
The course focuses on developing tutors' ability to adapt teaching to individual learners, respond to students' needs in real time and support academic progress. It also covers areas including evidence-informed pedagogy, safeguarding, inclusive practice and professional standards.
A substantial tutoring practice module forms part of the qualification, enabling participants to apply and critically reflect on their professional work.
Caller added: "This qualification gives tutors a robust, respected way to develop and demonstrate their professional practice. Just as importantly, it gives parents greater confidence that the person supporting their child has undertaken rigorous postgraduate training designed specifically for tutoring."
The first cohort is scheduled to begin in January 2027.
Mark Avery, senior lecturer in education at UWE Bristol and programme leader for the qualification, said: "One-to-one and small-group tutoring requires a distinctive combination of pedagogical knowledge, relational practice, professional judgement and responsiveness to individual learners.
“This PGCE offers a rigorous, practice-focused postgraduate route to develop these capabilities and reflect critically on impact, while contributing to UNESCO's call for a balanced, evidence-informed approach to the scale, quality, impact and regulation of private supplementary tutoring."
He said the programme offers a practice-focused route for tutors to develop those skills while contributing to wider discussions around professional standards and quality within private tutoring.
Supporters of the qualification say it represents an important step towards improving consistency, accountability and professional recognition as demand for personalised education continues to grow.