Become one of the first tutors to gain a PGCE in Tutoring
Globally, professional regulation of private tutors is negligible. In the UK, someone can declare themselves a professional tutor and offer a full range of tutoring services without a teaching qualification, formal training in pedagogy or any independent assessment of their practice.
Yet these unqualified tutors may be responsible for designing a child’s curriculum, assessing progress, supporting additional needs, safeguarding wellbeing and maintaining educational continuity across countries and school systems.
Until now, there has been no recognised postgraduate qualification of comparable depth to current formal teaching qualifications. Experienced teachers have had to adapt their classroom practice to one-to-one education by themselves, while those without teacher training have lacked an equivalent route through which to develop and demonstrate their pedagogical knowledge and subject skills.
This can make it difficult for families to judge a tutor’s suitability and experience. Tutors International’s own research found that more than half of UK adults believed private tutors must hold a recognised teaching qualification. They do not.
The PGCE Tutoring at UWE Bristol, shaped with advisory input from Tutors International, begins to address this longstanding gap. It is the first professional tutoring qualification that has the same standing as a standard PGCE.
A PGCE designed around tutoring
The PGCE Tutoring treats one-to-one and small-group education as a professional practice in its own right.
The groundbreaking course develops the ability to understand individual learners, adapt teaching in real time and take responsibility for their progress. Students on the course will study evidence-informed pedagogy, inclusive practice, safeguarding and professional standards, supported by structured subject audit and reflection.
Through the Tutoring Practice module, students will apply their learning to their own work with students, gather evidence of their practice and reflect critically on its impact.
Course details
- Qualification: PGCE Tutoring
- Academic level: Level 7
- Credits: 90
- Duration: One academic year, part-time
- Delivery: Fully online
- Start date: January 2027
- Course fee: £6,850
Apply for the PGCE Tutoring
Applications are open for the first cohort, beginning in January 2027. Applications are made directly to UWE Bristol.
Please state that you were referred by Tutors International when completing your application.
Apply at UWE BristolFAQs
Who is the PGCE Tutoring designed for?
The course is designed for new and experienced tutors, including:
- Teachers preparing to move from the classroom into professional tutoring
- Existing tutors seeking postgraduate recognition and further development
- Graduates planning to build a career in tutoring
- Educators working in home education and other personalised learning settings
Experienced teachers will bring established pedagogical knowledge, but may need to adapt their practice to the concentrated demands of working with one learner and an individual family.
Newer educators may need a stronger grounding in pedagogy alongside the knowledge and judgement required to work responsibly with students.
I already have a PGCE and classroom experience. What would I gain from this course?
A classroom PGCE and teaching experience provide strong foundations in pedagogy, assessment, curriculum knowledge and working with young people. But professional tutoring places those skills in a different context.
Working intensively with one learner requires a tutor to observe closely, adapt teaching in real time and respond to the needs and expectations of an individual family. Tutors may also work independently, without the structures and professional support available within a school.
The PGCE Tutoring does not repeat the purpose of a conventional classroom PGCE or provide Qualified Teacher Status. It allows experienced teachers to examine how their existing knowledge applies to one-to-one and small-group education, while developing and critically reflecting on their tutoring practice.
Why Tutors International helped shape the course
Adam Caller and the TI team have advocated for greater professional recognition within tutoring for many years.
Our advisory input drew on more than 25 years of recruiting educators for demanding full-time roles around the world. These appointments have shown us how much can be expected of a professional tutor, from curriculum design and assessment to safeguarding, mentoring, family communication and teaching across changing locations.
“ Professional tutoring has existed for generations, but the qualification infrastructure has not reflected the expertise and responsibility involved. This landmark PGCE begins to change that. ”Adam Caller, Founder and CEO, Tutors International
The course is delivered and awarded by UWE Bristol. Tutors International contributed advisory insight from professional tutoring practice and recruitment.
Do I need the PGCE Tutoring to apply for Tutors International positions?
You do not need the PGCE Tutoring to register with Tutors International or apply for our positions. Every appointment will continue to depend on the requirements of the role, relevant experience, professional ability and the match between tutor, student and family.
However, we expect recognised tutoring qualifications to carry increasing weight as formal routes into the profession become established.
Join tutors raising professional standards
The PGCE Tutoring offers a recognised postgraduate route through which to develop and demonstrate your practice. It may also give families and employers additional evidence of your commitment to tutoring as a profession.
A qualification cannot prove that someone is right for a particular child, and it does not guarantee placements or income. Its value lies in helping prospective tutors prepare seriously for the responsibilities they hope to undertake.
Still have questions about the PGCE Tutoring?
Speak to a course adviser via the UWE Bristol
website.
