Back in February, more than 500 schools sent a letter to the prime minister, the chancellor, and the education secretary advocating for the extension of National Tutoring Programme (NTP) funding beyond its sunset at the end of this academic year.
Without this support, they argued, the progress achieved in shrinking the Covid attainment gap might unravel. But is more NTP funding really the best way forward?
First things first, what is the National Tutoring Programme?
The NTP was launched by the UK government in response to the learning gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic. It aimed to provide a temporary solution by offering subsidised tutoring to address the challenges faced by students during the lockdowns and school closures.
Recognising the challenges students face is crucial, but it’s equally important to assess whether the current approach is the most effective way to address them. In this blog, I will explain why relying solely on the NTP may not be the most sustainable solution.
So, what are the limitations of the NTP?
Inefficient resource allocation: While the budget for the NTP may not be limited, the way it has been implemented and the excessive red tape involved have discouraged schools from using the program effectively.
Lack of customisation: The NTP primarily focuses on group sessions, which may not cater to each student’s unique needs. Personalised tutoring is essential for maximising the benefits of one-on-one teaching, ensuring targeted support, and effective progress.
Short-term solution: The NTP’s temporary nature restricts its ability to create a lasting impact. To truly bridge learning gaps and improve educational outcomes, a more sustained approach is needed.
What are the alternatives?
Consider the Pupil Premium, for example. This funding allows schools to apply resources in the manner they deem most effective for their pupils. By increasing the allocation of funds on a per-student basis, we enable schools to provide for their pupils in need with a degree of adaptability that the National Tutoring Programme simply cannot match.
When the pupil premium first launched in 2011, it was laser-focused on increasing academic attainment. However, over the years it has shifted to a more general purpose of supporting pupils in the school environment.
There is a good case to be made for the funding to be split into two pots: one focused on academic progress and another for broader support. Schools were using the Pupil Premium for tuition long before Covid and the NTP. They will continue to do so, and could perhaps do it more effectively if they are less restricted, especially if the focus shifts back to measuring resulting academic progress.
Let’s conclude …
While the NTP has served as a commendable response to the immediate needs during the pandemic, I think we must now focus on long-term, sustainable solutions to overcome learning gaps effectively. Rather than adopting a blanket approach, we ought to empower schools with the freedom to select educational support that caters specifically to their students.
It’s time to reimagine how we deliver tutoring services and truly empower every student to thrive academically. Let’s work together to shape a future of education that is accessible, engaging, and tailored to individual learning needs.
Written by Josh Blackburn, COO at TLC LIVE
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