Private tutoring is rapidly transforming education in Australia, with parents increasingly investing in supplementary coaching for their children. As the tutoring industry continues to grow, concerns about its implications for traditional schooling are becoming more pronounced.
On a busy street near my home, a nondescript door serves as the entrance to a local tutoring centre that resembles a bustling train station during peak hours. Students from various schools, clad in different uniforms, stream in and out, all partaking in what has become known as a “shadow education system.” This phenomenon, characterized by a lack of regulatory oversight, has attracted significant attention from educators and parents alike.
Research indicates that the global tutoring market has ballooned to an astonishing $96.75 billion (USD) in 2023, with Australia contributing to this growth as roughly one in seven school-aged children engages in private tutoring. According to a recent policy paper from the University of Technology Sydney, countries like Japan and China are leading the way, but Australia is not far behind in embracing this trend.
Christina Ho, a social scientist at the University of Technology Sydney, examined the impact of private tutoring in six public primary schools across northern and western Sydney. Her findings revealed that between 23 and 59 percent of Year 5 students received additional tutoring. Schools with opportunity classes, often seen as the pinnacle of educational achievement, reported the highest tutoring rates. Many students attended tutoring sessions up to four days a week in the lead-up to selective testing, raising questions about their ability to enjoy childhood and engage in extracurricular activities.
The financial implications of this tutoring boom are stark. In New South Wales, some companies charge up to $5,500 a year for individual Higher School Certificate (HSC) tutoring courses, while parents can shell out as much as $20,000 across various centres to prepare for opportunity classes and selective school tests. This investment reflects a growing belief among parents that extra academic support is essential to their children’s success.
As tutoring gains traction, the competitive landscape has intensified. Lucy Carroll, education editor at a major publication, recounted an instance where a prominent Sydney tutoring business requested a correction in a report regarding a student who achieved an impressive 99.95 ATAR in last year’s HSC. The business was displeased that the school was credited for the student’s success rather than their tutoring services, underscoring the marketing pressures within this billion-dollar industry.
Despite the apparent benefits, experts caution that the rise of commercial tutoring may undermine the quality of education in schools. Ho’s research included interviews with 29 teachers, many of whom expressed concerns that students were prioritizing tutoring over their schoolwork. This shift often results in disengagement and boredom in the classroom, as some students become significantly advanced in their studies due to outside coaching.
The current state of the tutoring industry raises critical questions about confidence in the existing education system. Parents, myself included, may inadvertently contribute to a culture of anxiety, believing that without additional support, their children risk being left behind. This perception has led to a burgeoning shadow system that thrives with minimal government oversight, capitalizing on parental fears about educational attainment.
While the desire to provide the best for our children is universal, the trend of prioritizing private tutoring over traditional schooling may be eroding trust in educators. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of supplementary education with the foundational role of schools in fostering a love for learning and equitable opportunities for all students.
As the tutoring industry continues to flourish, stakeholders must consider the long-term implications of this growing trend on education systems worldwide. The need for a collaborative approach between tutoring services and public education is essential to ensure that all students receive a balanced and enriching academic experience.
