In early November, The Tutors’ Association (TTA) proudly represented the UK tuition sector at the UNESCO International Policy Forum on Private Supplementary Tutoring in Paris. John Nichols, TTA President, and Richard Cowell, Vice-President, joined Mohan Dhall from the Australian Tutors’ Association to engage in crucial discussions about the global tuition industry and its role within education systems.
The forum brought together policymakers, researchers, and educational organisations from around the world to explore the benefits and challenges of private supplementary tutoring. Historically, the global tuition sector has faced scrutiny and scepticism, with concerns about its impact on educational equality and fairness. However, this event provided an invaluable opportunity to present a more nuanced view of the industry and its significant contributions to learning outcomes.
John Nichols shared his reflections on the event: “This was a great success, enabling us to engage with policymakers from around the world to shift perceptions of the tuition sector. Previously, policymakers were often suspicious or concerned about the global tuition market. We made a strong case for them to adopt a more balanced and understanding approach, recognising the sector’s benefits, particularly in providing targeted support to students who need it most.”
The TTA delegation emphasised the importance of ethical, high-quality tuition practices, advocating for transparency and collaboration between governments, educational institutions, and tutoring providers. By working to reshape the narrative, TTA aims to foster a greater appreciation for the role of tuition as a complement to formal education, helping students achieve their full potential.
The UNESCO forum also provided an opportunity to strengthen global partnerships, with TTA connecting with leaders and organisations from diverse regions. These connections pave the way for future collaboration, enabling the tuition sector to address shared challenges and promote best practices worldwide.
As the UK’s professional body for tutoring, TTA remains committed to ensuring that the sector is recognised for its positive contributions and continues to engage in important global conversations like this one.