A new postgraduate qualification designed specifically for private tutors is launching to help families evaluate the professionals they hire. As demand for private tuition reaches record highs, this program is the first formal academic pathway to standardize training in an otherwise unregulated industry.
What Happened
A new online postgraduate certificate, the PGCE Tutoring, is set to launch in January 2027 to establish professional standards for private educators. Delivered by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), the 90-credit course was developed with advisory input from Tutors International. Unlike traditional teacher training programs, this certificate is tailored specifically to one-to-one and small-group learning. It requires candidates to complete at least 36 hours of tutoring practice under UWE Bristol's tutor standards framework.
This course does not grant Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is required to teach in state schools. Instead, it is a voluntary credential designed to help professional tutors prove their skills in safeguarding and lesson planning.
The Bigger Picture
The launch of this qualification comes as private tutoring transitions from a luxury service to a mainstream educational supplement. According to the Sutton Trust’s Private Tutoring 2026 report, 29% of secondary school pupils in England and Wales have received private tutoring, up from 18% two decades ago. In London, that figure climbs to 45%.
This rise in private tuition matches a decline in school-based support. Following the end of the government-funded National Tutoring Programme, 58% of schools reduced their in-house tutoring programs. While some educational agencies are experimenting with technology, such as government-backed pilots of school AI tutoring tools, many parents are turning to the private market to fill the gap.
Yet, the UK tutoring market remains entirely unregulated. This lack of oversight clashes with public expectations. A survey of 2,010 UK adults by Tutors International revealed that 54% of people believe private tutors are legally required to hold a recognized teaching qualification, and 53% assume tutors must pass a background check. In reality, only 7% of adults realize that there is no regulatory body governing private tutors in the UK.
To address safety concerns, UK legislation recently changed. As of September 1, 2026, the government removed the supervision exemption for regulated activities. This change makes it easier for institutions to access Children's Barred List checks for anyone teaching or supervising children.
What This Means for Families
Because there is no official licensing body for tutors, parents must vet candidates themselves. This process is complicated because tutoring platforms have highly inconsistent safety standards.
For example, consumer guides from StudyGuru note that while platforms like Tutorful and StudyGuru mandate Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for all listed tutors, other networks like Superprof rely on self-declared credentials and do not require background checks. Individual tutors cannot apply for an Enhanced DBS check on their own; they must go through an agency or registered corporate body.
The introduction of the PGCE Tutoring offers parents a new benchmark. Instead of relying only on a tutor’s academic history, families can look for specialized training in how to assess learning gaps and adapt material.
What You Can Do
To keep children safe, parents should verify background checks directly rather than assuming a platform has vetted its tutors. Ask to see an Enhanced DBS certificate with Children's Barred List information, and check its validity using the DBS Update Service.
When interviewing candidates, ask about tutoring-specific training. Find out if they hold a PGCE, a traditional teaching degree, or specialized credentials like the new UWE Bristol PGCE Tutoring qualification.
Finally, confirm that the tutor has experience with your child's specific exam board and tier), such as AQA or Edexcel at the Higher or Foundation level.