大象传媒

No longer just for the rich, tutoring is booming in Britain. Last year parents spent over 拢1bn on tutors for their children. From traditional entrance exam tutoring to the latest online services, there are thousands of companies to choose from.

But it's an unregulated industry. Some even lack Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly Criminal Records Bureau) checks.

Visiting tutoring centres, schools and families, Sushma Puri investigates the factors behind the tutoring boom. She asks whether tutoring works and whether it is worth the money. Emerita Professor Judy Ireson from the Institute of Education reveals some research results which may surprise many.

With the introduction of tutoring in state schools, she examines the roles of teachers and tutors. Can tutors complement classroom teachers or are they on a collision course?

Meanwhile one expert believes 'the Wild West of education' is in urgent need of regulation.

Producer: Hilary Thomson
A Tigereye production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.