The specifics of a Tutor job description can vary, but every Tutor role is focused on providing learning support to individual pupils or small groups needing additional help in a specific subject or range of subjects.

 

What does a Tutor do?

 

Tutors can work in both public and private schools, with pupils in Key Stage 1 (5 to 7 years), Key Stage 2 (7 to 11 years) or Key Stage 3 and 4 (11 to 16 years). Tutors can work in a variety of educational settings including academies, religious, specialised, independent, and free schools.

 

The start date for Tutor jobs is not tied to the school calendar, as supplementary help for pupils can be provided at any time of the year.

As a Tutor you work closely with your pupils, determining their strengths and weaknesses and how they learn best. This helps you plan your sessions, as you get to know your pupils and what teaching methods work well for them.

 

A Tutor identifies topics that need to be worked on with a particular individual or group, using a mixture of resources to improve their understanding of a subject. By creating innovative ways, adapted for individual needs, a Tutor can help pupils gain knowledge and skills in a supportive and encouraging learning environment.

 

Part of the Tutor job description also calls for teaching beyond the curriculum. Tutoring also improves a child’s learning ability, to assist them to develop critical thinking skills which will help them achieve their future academic goals.

Is a Tutor job a good fit for you?

 

If you are a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), now referred to as Early Career Teacher (ECT), then working as a Tutor is an excellent opportunity to gain experience as you start out in your education career.

 

For qualified teachers, becoming a Tutor is an opportunity to specialise in one subject area, a specific Key Stage or GCSE preparation. The demand for specialised knowledge in certain fields, along with teaching experience, makes tutoring a positive career move for former teachers. As a Tutor you will build on your teaching skills, using and adapting teaching methods, aids and approaches, to bring out the best in each pupil.

 

Your day-to-day duties as a Tutor will include:

 

  • Teaching mixed ability pupils.
  • Using a variety of teaching methods and developing individual structured teaching plans, tailored to the pupil’s needs and learning styles.
  • Preparing and maintaining equipment and resources and assisting pupils in their use.
  • Establishing good working relationships with pupils.
  • Encouraging pupils to engage in new one-to-one activities to enhance their learning.
  • Setting goals so pupils can achieve learning objectives, improving their knowledge and confidence in the subject.
  • Giving clear feedback to pupils about their progress.
  • Using computer programmes to reinforce learning.
  • Dealing promptly with any incidents and promoting good behaviour.
  • Providing feedback to teachers on pupil’s progress.
  • Undertaking administrative tasks.
  • Upholding policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and confidentiality.

Are you a good fit for a Tutor job?

 

As a Tutor you need to be professional and organised, staying up to date with the ever-changing curriculum and exam requirements. You must know how to plan lessons and cater for different learners. Above all, a good Tutor needs to be personable and friendly so you can build a trusting relationship with your pupils.

 

To succeed as a Tutor you need to have:

 

  • An excellent knowledge of your subject area and understanding of the Key Stage Curriculum.
  • Strong communication skills, creating a good rapport with pupils.
  • Flexibility in using appropriate creative and engaging ways to teach.
  • Confidence to evaluate learning needs and actively seek new teaching methods where required.
  • Ability to provide individual attention and support, providing constructive feedback to pupils in a way that improves confidence in their own ability.
  • Ability to handle sensitive issues with empathy and understanding.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of the teaching faculty.
  • Ability to use a computer and software packages such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications, Licences and Certifications

 

It is not compulsory to have a degree or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) to become a Tutor, but many Tutor job descriptions will ask for a degree in your chosen subject.

 

A Tutor can only teach pupils up to the academic level below their own highest qualification. For example, to tutor at GCSE level you must have achieved at least A Levels (or equivalent) in that subject. The essential qualifications and requirements to become a Tutor include:

 

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and Maths.
  • Classroom practice supporting pupils (including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) where relevant).
  • Fluent level of English, both spoken and written.
  • You must pass an enhanced background (DBS) check.

 

The following City & Guilds qualifications can also be helpful:

  • Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
  • Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
  • Level 3 Certificate Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools.

 

Employers will also look for the following attributes:

  • A love for teaching and helping people learn.
  • Creativity in lesson planning and implementing teaching strategies.
  • Passion for your subject.
  • Patience, perseverance, and empathy.

Where can a Tutor job take you?

 

Starting out as a Tutor is a great option if you are looking to become a Teacher. Working with pupils while learning and implementing various teaching techniques, will help you determine if teaching is a good fit for you.

 

If you have previously worked as a Teacher, then as a Tutor you can really focus on a specific specialism, making a real difference in your pupils’ progress, and also enhancing your own skills and specialist knowledge. This may lead to advancing your own qualifications in your subject or, you may wish to explore other areas new to you. You could also switch your focus to work with SEND and ALN pupils, building a rewarding, professional career.

Where next?

 

Keep a lookout for the latest opportunities in your sector by regularly searching the job vacancies on our website. To view all our jobs, click here.

 

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