When it comes to supporting your child’s education, both teachers and tutors play important roles. But what exactly is the difference between a tutor and a teacher? Understanding how each supports learning can help you make the best decision for your child’s academic success.
What Is a Teacher?
A teacher is a qualified professional who works in a classroom setting, typically with 20 or more students. Teachers follow the national curriculum, assess student progress, manage behaviour, and deliver lessons across multiple subjects or specialisms.
Key Roles of a Teacher:
- Plans and delivers curriculum-aligned lessons
- Assesses students against national standards
- Differentiates learning for a wide range of abilities
- Manages classroom dynamics and behaviour
- Works within school policies and deadlines
Teachers are central to a child’s formal education. They provide the foundation for academic development and social learning in a structured environment.
What Is a Tutor?
A tutor is an education professional who works with students outside of the classroom, often in smaller groups or one-on-one. Tutoring is more flexible and personalised, targeting a child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Key Roles of a Tutor:
- Provides tailored learning support in specific subjects
- Focuses on areas where the student needs extra help
- Reinforces classroom learning or fills knowledge gaps
- Builds confidence and motivation
- Can work online or in person, often with a flexible schedule
Tutors offer a bespoke learning experience, ideal for children who need additional guidance or wish to stretch beyond classroom learning.
Key Differences Between Tutors and Teachers
| Role | Teacher | Tutor |
| Learning Environment | Class of 20+ students | One-to-one or small group |
| Curriculum | Follows national curriculum | Can personalise based on student needs |
| Focus | General education | Targeted academic support |
| Assessment | Formal testing and reporting | Informal assessments and feedback |
| Flexibility | Set timetable and structure | Customised sessions and schedule |
When Might Your Child Need a Tutor?
Hiring a tutor can be beneficial in a variety of situations:
- When your child is struggling with a particular subject (e.g. Maths or English)
- To prepare for important exams like SATs or 11+
- To boost confidence and self-esteem
- If they are ahead in class and need stretching
- To fill gaps due to missed learning (e.g. illness or transitions)
Can Tutors Replace Teachers?
No – tutors are not a replacement for classroom teachers. Teachers provide a broad, standardised education, while tutors offer individualised support. Ideally, tutors work alongside what children are learning at school, offering a collaborative approach to education.
Tutoring with Primary Tutor Project
At Primary Tutor Project, we’re proud to work with qualified UK primary teachers who bring classroom experience into small-group or one-to-one tutoring sessions. We understand both the teacher’s role and the tutor’s role and use that knowledge to deliver supportive, confidence-building tuition.
Whether your child needs help catching up, preparing for SATs, or simply building belief in their own abilities, our team is here to help.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between a tutor and a teacher helps you make informed choices for your child’s education. While teachers guide children through the school system, tutors provide that extra boost of tailored help and encouragement. Together, they create a powerful team to support your child’s learning journey.
Interested in learning more about how tutoring could support your child? Contact us today to find out how we can help!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tutors follow the school curriculum?
Tutors often use the school curriculum as a guide, but they have the flexibility to tailor sessions to your child’s pace and needs. That means they can revisit tricky topics or move ahead where appropriate.
Can my child have both a teacher and a tutor?
Absolutely! Many children benefit from the combination. Teachers cover the broad curriculum in school, and tutors provide targeted support in smaller settings.
How do I know if my child needs a tutor?
If your child is feeling frustrated, falling behind, or even bored in class, a tutor might be a great option. They’re also helpful for building confidence, reinforcing classroom learning, or preparing for things like SATs or school transitions.
What makes a tutor different from a parent helping with homework?
Tutors bring teaching experience and an outside perspective, which often makes it easier for children to engage. Parents are brilliant support systems, but sometimes a tutor can explain things in a new way that just clicks.
Is online tutoring as effective as face-to-face?
Yes, when delivered well. At Primary Tutor Project, our online sessions are interactive, fun and led by experienced UK teachers who know how to keep children engaged.
