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I remember I had barely tucked away my hanky, after settling my son into primary school, when talk at the school gate switched to secondary schools and whether to put his name down for a private tutor. Where we live, as in many areas, there is a complicated secondary school admissions system which requires a PhD in Education to understand. Selective and specialist comprehensives, academies, grammar schools, faith schools, independent schools – we’ve got them all, and more. However, a lot don’t make the grade as far as some parents are concerned, resulting in too many children chasing too few places at the favoured schools.

This is a common situation nationwide, hence the boom in . And it doesn’t stop there. Some children are tutored prior to or if they are struggling in a particular subject.

I confess we jumped on the tutor bandwagon and my son received an hour’s weekly tuition during Year 5. Was it necessary? We’ll never know, but I do have a sneaky suspicion I could have tutored him myself with the same results – plus, perhaps, a few more grey hairs and wrinkles.Ìý

In fact, it is estimated that around at some point. It’s true that primary schools can’t prepare children for all types of 11+ entrance exams. Similarly there are times when some children need extra help or a confidence boost that they can’t always get at school. However, at £20-£50 an hour many parents cannot afford a private tutor, but there are ways round this.

Practice exam papers in key subjects are available at bookshops or online. My tip for 11+ exams: start with an easy level to boost confidence and don’t be tempted to begin until Year 5 otherwise boredom sets in. Often, sitting on the sofa and talking through questions is just as effective. Another option is to employ a tutor just for a few sessions, to cover key areas and exam techniques. There are various online tutoring websites too which are cheaper. Some simply provide relevant questions on-screen, others have facilities for communicating online with the tutor.

In my experience, word-of-mouth is the best way to find a tutor but schools and local authorities can help too. Although, such is the scrum to get a good one, parents often sign up several years in advance. It’s vital to obtain references including an (Criminal Records Bureau) check Ìýand ensure the tutor is up-to-date with exams/subjects/local schools. I found it helped to establish upfront what was expected from the session and agree about homework.Ìý

A specialist tutor can also help children with Special Educational Needs. My mother tutored dozens of children, well into her retirement and many still write to thank her for boosting their confidence and self-esteem.Ìý

Whether we like it or not, tutoring is here to stay. However, a friend, who is a secondary school teacher, advises against cramming to pass entrance exams as it could lead to the child struggling later on. Most parents want their children to be successful, but a happy child is more likely to do well in life than an unhappy one. Getting the balance right is perhaps the most important lesson of all.

Sarah Kingsley is a freelance writer and a member of the ´óÏó´«Ã½ Parent Panel.

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