Whether you are a tutor, a student, or a business owner, tutoring is likely a very normal part of your day-to-day life. Even for those not receiving tutoring themselves, the concept is very familiar. That is why you might be surprised to learn that modern tutoring has only existed for about 60 years!
This fact made us wonder: how much do we really know about the history of tutoring? To find out more, we decided to put on our thinking caps and do a bit of research to find out how far back this useful teaching method actually dates.
We've created a useful infographic to take you through a (very) brief history of Tutoring!
A Brief History of Tutoring
Ancient Tutoring (400 B.C.):
The origins of tutoring date back as far as the Ancient Greeks! During this time scholars like Socrates would meet with fellow academics and students to discuss and share philosophical thoughts.
Fun Fact: Socrates' most famous student was Plato!
University Tutoring (11th C):
The first European Universities were founded in the 11th century. Students were taught how to control the Force by Masters. Just kidding! They were called ‘Masters’ though. These mediaeval tutors were so important to education that graduates would often only mention who they studied under, rather than which university they attended.
Fun Fact: Oxford University was founded in 1096!
Church Education (12th C):
Before the 12th century, education was only accessible to the most elite social class, as a result, many children of lower classes grew up without formal instruction. However, in 1179 the Church began a mission to educate the poor. This meant some young boys from poor families were taught basic reading, writing, and math by priests. Unfortunately, like electricity and modern plumbing, girl power wasn’t around back then either.
Officially Tutoring (16th-17th C):
Tutoring officially began in universities in the 1700s. Classes consisted of a tutor and 1 or 2 students meeting regularly. The tutor would guide their learning and check if they were well prepared for university exams.
Fun Fact: Tutors would also be seen as parental figures. Imagine having to negotiate a school night outing not just with your parents but with your tutor too!
Free Education for All (19th-20th C):
In the UK, education only became legally mandatory from 1800 to the 1900s, with the introduction of a framework for a school system in 1870 and the Elementary Education Act. The Education Act of 1944 further established compulsory secondary education and the role of the state in overseeing it. It was only in the financial boom of the 1950s that tutoring became the industry we know today.
Fun Fact: Primary school education only became mandatory in England in 1880.
Modern Day Tutoring:
Modern tutoring only became common practice about 20 years ago. In 2024, the National Tutoring Programme (NTP) concluded after four years, having provided over 6 million tutoring courses to students across England. The program played a significant role in bridging gaps within the formal education system, ensuring more students received academic support. The program's final year saw 59.4% of schools participating, with 1.5 million courses delivered.
Fun Fact: As of 2016, over 40% of students from London have had some form of private tuition!
The Future of Tutoring
What do you think the future of tutoring will be like? Maybe a fusion of ancient times and modernity, with instantaneous holograms of our Jedi Master instructing us? Okay, maybe we’re getting a little ahead of ourselves, but wishful thinking prevails!
In reality, the tutoring industry is evolving rapidly, with online tutoring reshaping how students receive personalized instruction. The flexibility, accessibility, and affordability of online platforms have made them a preferred choice over traditional tutoring agencies, expanding access to private tuition for a wider audience. As technology progresses, online tutoring is expected to play an even greater role in formal education, offering engaging and adaptive learning solutions that target a wide range of student needs.
Additionally, professional tutoring associations ensure industry standards remain high. Organizations like the National Tutoring Association (NTA) and the International Tutoring Association (ITA) provide training, certification, and advocacy to support tutors and promote best practices. These associations help maintain quality instruction, fostering a network of professional tutors dedicated to student success. By reinforcing standards and offering professional development, they contribute to the growing recognition of tutoring as a vital part of modern education.
Want to learn more about this topic? Read about our other tutoring here.
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