PRESS RELEASE : Government to match schools’ tutoring costs next year [May 2023]

Half of tutoring costs will be funded through the National Tutoring Programme next year, doubling the government’s previous commitment to fund a quarter of the cost.

Initiated as part of the Government’s education recovery strategy and to help schools deliver a world-class education, the National Tutoring Programme has revolutionised how targeted support is offered in schools. Over three million courses have taken place so far, with school leaders reporting on the positive impact the programme is having on pupils’ attainment and confidence. This month, the Education Policy Institute also announced average outcomes in reading have largely been recovered in primary schools. And despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, England has risen to fourth internationally for primary reading proficiency in the recent Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) results.

Backed by over £1 billion across four years, £150 million will be available to schools next year. Whilst schools will continue to have the flexibility to decide which pupils to offer tutoring to, children from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised as well as those who are below the expected standard or grade boundary in a particular subject.

Schools Minister, Nick Gibb, said:

Since its inception in 2020, we have continuously evolved the National Tutoring Programme to ensure it works for pupils and schools.

Over three million courses have been started as a result and we remain committed to supporting schools to embed tutoring long term because we know the positive impact it can have on pupils.

That’s why I am pleased that next year, we will be able to match school’s funding contributions, whilst also supporting them more widely through a £2 billion boost in school funding.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen, said:

We want everyone in school to get a world-class education, enriching their own lives and strengthening the future workforce.

Paying half of tutoring costs to support our young people through the National Tutoring Programme next year is clear evidence of that commitment and a down payment on long-term economic growth.

Nick Brook, CEO for the social mobility charity at Speakers for Schools and Chair of the DfE Strategic Tutoring Advisory Group, said:

I’m pleased that the Government has listened to school and sector leaders and has agreed to raise the NTP subsidy to 50% next year. This will be welcome news to many schools, who have seen positive results from the programme and will want to continue offering tutoring next year.

We know that tutoring can have a really positive effect on pupils’ attainment and confidence, and I welcome the renewed focus on supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Department for Education has always been clear that the subsidy rate for the programme will be tapered each year to support schools to embed tutoring long-term, moving from 75% in 2021-22 to a planned 25% in 2023-24.Following feedback from school leaders, the Government has now agreed a subsidy rate of 50% next year, to support schools to deliver the tutoring their pupils need.

To meet their costs when providing tutoring, schools will be able to continue to use funding streams like the pupil premium, which will rise to almost £2.9 billion in in 2023-24 – its highest ever level. The additional funding is thanks to the further £2 billion pounds being invested into schools. As a result, school funding is set to rise faster than forecast inflation in both 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Today we published new guidance about delivering tutoring next year. This is alongside information on the amount of funding each school will receive and a calculator tool to support schools to plan tutoring for next year. The Department for Education will also continue to support schools to embed tutoring into the long term as an integral part of the department’s strategy to raise standards in primary and secondary schools. This includes the ambitious target for 90 per cent of pupils to meet the expected standard of reading, writing and maths by the time they leave primary school.