New online tutoring website makes up for shortage of home tutors
Increasing numbers of parents seeking private tutors for their children could be left out in the cold as demand for extra curricular help outstrips supply.
That’s the warning from Bristol-based online tutoring specialists Tutorhub.com who say rapidly increasing numbers of parents seeking to supplement their children’s schooling were putting unprecedented strain on the network of UK home tutors.
Tutorhub.com founder Jon Ellis said simple supply and demand meant parents who hadn’t organised a tutor by the start of the new school term are struggling to find help now.
He said: “Our national home tutoring website beanbaglearning.com has witnessed a 50 per cent increase in the number of people looking for tutors. Demand for tutors is at the highest level we have ever seen."
“Parents are saying that many tutors are either fully booked and have waiting lists, won’t travel to their area or are simply unavailable in the subjects they require."
Brainchild of former Monks Park pupils Kevin Gibson and Jon Ellis, online tutoring service Tutorhub.com has proved a resounding success since launching in Bristol in October 2010.
The website, which has now topped 1,000 users, has proved popular for one-to-one online private tutoring and homework help.
Jon Ellis said: “We launched Tutorhub.com as an on demand service to help bridge the widening gap in tutoring provision. It’s more convenient, you can access the website from the comfort of your own home and it can be cheaper as you don't have to pay for extras such as tutor travel.”
“Parents choosing to sign up with Tutorhub.com don’t have to go through the hassle of going out and finding a tutor by conventional means. There are many more tutors online, who for a variety of reasons are unavailable for home tutoring."
Tutorhub.com has attracted well-qualified and CRB-checked post and undergraduate tutors as well as teachers familiar with a wide range of subjects and various exam boards.
"Many parents prefer online tutoring, as they can choose tutors to provide help with specific GCSE or A-Level subjects, homework or support children as they come up to school entrance exams."
A widely reported survey by UK educational charity the Sutton Trust found increasing numbers of parents turning to tutors to supplement their child’s education in a bid to get into the right school, pass exams and widen career options. The report revealed that 23% of children have received private tuition.
Jon Ellis said: “Parents who are convinced their child will benefit from additional support will find that Tutorhub.com is the answer to their prayers. Online tutoring is a cost effective alternative to home tuition and can provide the extra support precisely when it's needed, just as qualified tutors become increasingly scarce through the school term."
Parents can find more information at tutorhub.com.