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What training does a tutor need?

Research from Sutton Trust states that 27% of students who reside in London have received private tuition in the past three years, so it is safe to say that there is a demand for good and qualified tutors.

However, in the UK, it is not necessary to have an exact qualification to work as a tutor. It is not regulated like teaching in schools where you need a specific degree so you do not have to undergo any special training before you get up and running as a tutor.

Some tutoring companies may ask for specific A-Levels and a degree in the relevant subject area, but if you choose to create your own business then you will be able operate with the qualifications you already have.

Before you set off, there are steps you can take to ensure you are not only ready to teach your students but also have the right knowledge needed to deliver informative and educational sessions.

A degree will help you

While it is not necessary to have attended university, it will help you as a tutor. Gaining a degree means that you have researched the subject fully and have an in-depth understanding of it.

Say if you are considering being a tutor of English and have gained a literature degree, chances are that you are well-versed with the classics as well as the rules of grammar and spelling.

Knowledge of your subject area

If you do not have a degree and you choose to specialise in a specific subject area, it is obvious that you are going to need to have a lot of knowledge of it and surrounding subjects.

When working as a tutor for children who are still in school, you will always need to be familiar with the contents of their examinations to best prepare them for their tests.

Work experience in an educational setting

Having previously gained a working knowledge of the education sector will be beneficial to you as a tutor. It will not only equip you with an understanding of course material but skills in handling students and delivering the best lessons possible as well.

Many parents look for a tutor who has gained an insight of working within a school as they believe those individuals to be more qualified than those who have not. Previous experience will also allow you to build trust in your future customers, confidence in your own abilities and gain transferable skills.

Specific skills to work as a tutor

While exact qualifications are not necessary to work as a tutor, there are skills you must possess in order to be successful. You need to be naturally kind, patient, able to explain concepts in a clear and concise manner, adaptable, and confident.

These skills will help you develop a bond with your students built on trust that will allow them to feel positive and therefore try their best. They will also allow you to feel confident in your own abilities.

So, if you do not have a teaching degree, don’t worry. There are many other routes you can take to be a fantastic tutor.